LONGLAC-The students of Lady of Fatima Catholic School Grade 7 and eight Travel Group were able to resume their program since the pandemic.
The travel group under the guidance of Mrs. Savage their teacher, had a exciting itinerary that would take them to Lakehead University, Mongo’s Grill, Gammondale Farms, Mario’s Bowl, Science North and St. Patrick Cathedral.
The first stop which began June 6, was Lakehead University, where students toured some buildings, including the Athletic building and learned about residents.
The students were also able to engage in a financial literacy activity, and finished the first day with a walking tour of the University campus.
Principal Tim Griffin, sent out a huge thank-you to Mrs. Savage, for all she did for making this trip happen. “The kids were definitely pumped,” said Griffin.
Meals were enjoyed by eating at Mongo’s Grill and Kelsey’s restaurant. For some students, this was the first time that there were eating at these Thunder Bay restaurants.
The second day for the Travel Group started with a visit to Gammondale Farms. Owner, Sue Gammond helped the students learned about the history of the farm land, and shared how the Gammondale family purchased the land for $50.
While there they were able to experience what it was like to transport live chicks, brush horses, go on a trail walk and meet some amazing animals.
Day three for the travel Group was definitely their busiest. It began with going to Science North. There students engaged in activities that offered learning about a variety of skull bones, how to feed an albino snake, pet a tarantula and explore what an owl eats.
After a casual outdoor lunch at Vickers Park, the students walked over to St. Patrick Cathedral. There they were given a guided tour by Msgr. Pat Stilla, who also shared key information about what they saw. Students stated how they all felt that in the one hour that they spent at the Cathedral they had learned so much.
“We learned more in one hour at the Cathedral then some of us have learned in our entire life so far,” was a sentiment shared by the group.
The students were each given a rosary made by one of parishioners that found out we were coming to visit as well.
Based on the gratitude and appreciation shown by all students in the travel Group, this program was very successful, this year.
As the saying goes, “It takes a village.” It became very evident that this amazing experience for the travel group was made possible by the tremendous efforts of their teacher, Mrs. Savage, community organizations, restaurants, and individuals.
The travel group thanked everyone involved who helped make the three days taken for their visit to Thunder Bay possible. The Grade 7 and 8 students thanked, “Mr. Picard for driving us around the city and joining us for dinner, and joining us for dinner, Thank you to Mrs. Arsenault, Mr. Sarrasin, Ms. Auld, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Sottile for supervising us at each of our events.”