By Tom Mark

Community School Students Chosen For Australian Conference

Nov 21, 2017 | 6:57 AM

Canadian-based not-for-profit Heart Chorus Association International is holding its 3rd Global Initiative in Sydney, Australia November 23rd to December 2nd.

Five students from Vernon Community School at Clarence Fulton Secondary have been chosen to take part, accompanied by teacher Kim Ondrik.

One of the students, Corbin Kelly, sees it as an opportunity for personal growth.

“It’s really about building community with other youth leaders throughout the world and giving them a sense of social responsibility.”

The initiative involves a three-day comprehensive training course on personal growth and prepares participants for future challenges.

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The students will also spend a day with local industries and explore local cultures, an opportunity student Mason Marquardt feels is valuable.

“It means a lot. We’re a pretty new school and we’re a new idea of learning. I hope to gain relationships with maybe people from other places and connections for community and class.”

It’s the first time the Community School has been chosen for this conference.

Corbin Kelly says he thinks the students have a lot to offer when they go to the conference.

“Here at Vernon Community School we practice a specific type of leadership called servant leadership. That’s where the leaders aren’t here to give orders. They’re hear to serve the community and build people up.”

When the students return, they’re expect to pay it forward through a community service.

The students haven’t decided yet what they would do.

Friday, November 18th was National Children’s Day and the students volunteered with the City of Vernon at its Children’s Day event at the Rec Centre.

Kelly says they may do something like that when they get back.

The students will also join some 300 students and volunteers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to wave flags as an appeal to support the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals on environment, economics and society.

Student Shawn Harned sees sustainable development as an important skill to have regardless of your race, age or religion.

He says it can help with wonders in public speaking, community and social development.

by Tom Mark