Students enjoy the beginning of summer at Learning Alternatives’ summer program, open to all secondary students in the school district.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
While most schools close for the summer, Learning Alternatives has remained open to welcome secondary students from across Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools for its summer program.
Principal Shawn Shahi said the program offers more than “just a place to go.” It gives students a safe, friendly space to stay connected with school staff, get support all summer long, and meet new friends without worrying about costs.
“It’s not summer school,” Shahi said. “The goal is to keep a safe, welcoming space open where students can stay connected with positive adults throughout the summer.”
Vice principal Chad Jobe, who started the program about five years ago, explained that it began during the COVID-19 pandemic when staff recognized how important it was for students’ mental health to keep in-person connections.
“When we first started, it was mostly Learning Alternatives students,” Jobe said. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen more students from other secondary schools join us, thanks in part to counsellors encouraging families to check out the program.”
Every day, two Learning Alternatives teachers have been running activities, with a school district youth care worker on site to support students. Instead of sticking to a fixed schedule, the activities have changed each week based on what students are interested in and what staff members are good at.
“We have so many amazing staff members that all have different passions and strengths that the program looks unique each week,” Jobe said. “Some weeks it feels like an arts program, other weeks it’s gym games or board games. We love the program because we know it meets students where they’re at emotionally and socially.”
Students have played basketball, volleyball, board games, pool, foosball, video games, or just relax and hang out with friends. Teachers have been available to help students who want to work on graduation coursework, teachers are there to help too.
Food is also a big part of the program. Breakfast is served every morning, lunch comes from FoodShare, and snacks are available to keep everyone feeling good all day.
“Nothing’s better than an ice-cold freezie on a hot summer day with your friends,” Jobe said.
Principal Shahi believes the program shows how much the school values making everyone feel they belong.
“When students walk through our doors, we’re simply happy to see them,” he said. “That’s what building a sense of belonging is all about.”
The program runs until August 27, Tuesdays to Thursdays, and is open to all students in Grades 8 to 12 in the school district.
Registration is available by emailing info.la@sd68.bc.ca.