December 12, 2025
District schools spread holiday cheer
The holiday season is a time for generosity, kindness, and community spirit. Several of our elementary schools are finding creative and meaningful ways to show they care and learning that empathy, teamwork, and making a positive impact are just as important as donations.
Young Entrepreneurs learn and talk business at QEE
The holiday season brings an opportunity for Queen Elizabeth Elementary students to showcase creativity and business savvy through the school’s “Young Entrepreneurs” program. Now in its seventh year, the initiative involves classes working throughout the first school term to design products, build business plans, and learn essential financial literacy skills.
QEE Grade 4 teachers Beth Minto, Alayne Madlambayan, Rodrigo Dominquez, Brandon Del Grosso, and Georgia Nichols are the program’s organizers.
Students create posters and signs to market their items, use tools like Microsoft Word to write business plans, and collaborate with the school librarian to design PowerPoint presentations promoting their wares. They learn what it means to make a profit, calculate costs, and manage loans from parents, all while developing communication, technology, and organizational skills.
“The learning aspect is great,” said Minto. “Students learn to interact with others, talk about their products, talk about their prices, and talk about giving deals. They learn about technology, communication, and financial literacy. It’s a very well-rounded program.”
The program culminates in a school-wide event where students sell their products to their fellow classmates. In the spirit of giving, 10 per cent of all profits are donated to charities chosen by each class, such as the Queensborough Animal Shelter, local food banks, or the BC Children’s Hospital.
“Not only are students earning money, they’re learning how to donate and be kind to others,” said Madlambayan. “That’s why we love to do it.”
Five days of giving at Herbert Spencer
Last year, Herbert Spencer teacher Amy Bothwell and Grade 4 – Division 6 launched the “5 Days of Giving” campaign to support families in need through the Lower Mainland Purpose Society. Thanks to the Herbert Spencer community’s generosity, the event was an incredible success. Students displayed outstanding leadership by promoting, collecting, and organizing donations.
Herbert Spencer is excited to continue this tradition again this year. From Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 12, themed giving days will focus on specific needs such as baby essentials, toiletries, non-perishable food items, and more.
Families outside of the Herbert Spencer community who also wish to contribute can donate directly to the Lower Mainland Purpose Society.
The Kelvin Gift Co.
Lord Kelvin’s “Kelvin Gift Company” is a beloved school tradition where students can shop for holiday gifts for their families. Throughout December, classes have opportunities to visit the “Kelvin Gift Co.” store set up in the gym where they can browser and purchased donated items for a few coins.
Shop items are donated throughout the year and the Lord Kelvin Parent Advisory Council organizes and runs the store to ensure every child has the chance to give.
Skwo:wech’s winter clothing swap
The holiday season at Skwo:wech Elementary is about sharing joy and literal warmth. The school’s Winter Clothing Swap, which runs from mid-November to mid-December, lets families donate gently used coats, boots, and other cold-weather gear to those in need. Anyone in the community is welcome to pick up what they require.
By reusing and redistributing winter clothing, Skwo:wech helps reduce waste while ensuring everyone stays warm during the colder months.
Connaught Heights Elementary’s holiday hampers return for another year
Connaught Heights Elementary’s holiday hampers are back for another year of community giving and kindness.
Launched nearly 20 years ago by teacher Andrew Eckhert, the school-wide holiday hamper program is a food collection drive run largely by students. Students initially distribute flyers to neighbouring homes and businesses requesting donations – whether food or cash for food and gift cards – and then go door to door to collect items at a later date. Donations are organized by Connaught Heights’ Grade 5s into hampers that cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner.