HCHS and The Power of Words

This year, all four Grade 8 classes at Harry Collinge High School in Hinton have been learning about the power of words and have put their words into action through a series of letters.

In November, they wrote letters to thank Alberta author Karen Spafford-Fitz for presenting her books and sharing her writing tips with each class via Google Meet. During online school in December, the students wrote letters to members of the Canadian Armed Forces to thank them for their service and spread a little holiday cheer. In February, the Grade 8's wrote Valentine Day’s letters to senior citizens residing in care facilities in Hinton. In March, one year after the provincial shutdown, they thanked the first responders of Hinton for their service and care of the community during COVID. Letters were divided up between RCMP, Fire Department, Ambulance Services, and members of Alberta Health Services. Students shared a little about themselves and their lives as youth living during the pandemic; they sent best wishes, shared jokes, poems, quotes, and pictures, and most importantly, they used their words to encourage others.

The letters continued for the balance of the school year to different groups. For example, in April, the students wrote letters to a former HCHS international student and her Grade 8 son who have been communicating with HCHS students through video and messages during the unit about Japan.