May 17: Students present memoirs to seniors at Extendicare Falconbridge

Five seniors at Extendicare Falconbridge will receive specially-bound albums of memories and photographs from Grade 11 French Immersion students at Lasalle Secondary School on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10"45 am.

The students have been visiting the seniors for the past five weeks to capture lives lived and record these rich stories as part of the intergenerational memoirs writing program. The memoirs will bring the personal and poignant stories of the seniors to life.

“The students, the seniors and their families will all gather as the albums are presented, one by one, for the very first time,” says teacher Camille Dupuis. “This is always a heartwarming celebration,” she says. “The seniors and students have developed some great friendships.”

The specially-bound albums of memories and photographs will focus on a number of themes – early childhood and early school days; young adult years, high school, dating, courtship, war experiences, and the depression; raising a family, marriage, babies, parenting, and community involvement; earning a living, volunteering and retirement; hobbies and celebrations; and relationships, including important people, pets and places.

“The students have been learning a bit of history through the eyes of those who have experienced it first-hand,” says Dupuis. “The program has bridged the gap between generations and fostered a wonderful sense of community.”

Students are not only gaining an appreciation for the many contributions our seniors have made, they are also putting their creative abilities to the test as they capture these vibrant pasts on paper – for today and, more importantly, for generations to come.