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ASPIRE (Academic Summer Program Including Recreation and Education) is a free-of-charge, equity-based program that makes learning fun and helps students continue to grow as learners throughout the summer. This summer marked the 11th year of the program, which ran from July 3–Aug. 1.

This year, a whopping 380 Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) students, ranging from those who just completed kindergarten to those who completed Grade 5, joined the program for some summertime synaptic stimulus. (Say that five times fast!)

The students from 19 different LRSD schools gathered daily at five different locations — Lavallee, Archwood, and Victor Mager Schools for the English program; and Écoles Julie-Riel and Henri-Bergeron for the French Immersion program. 

Each day begins with a nutritious breakfast, and later a snack is served. Over the course of the summer, students gobbled up over 13,000 breakfasts and snacks. 

After that, the activities varied from site to site. Each site set themes for each week, and within those themes, students participated in a plethora of educational activities, games, and outings designed not only to grow students’ minds but also to create long-lasting memories of summer fun. 

Some of this year’s events included a field trip to the Assiniboine Park Zoo, WISE Kid-Netic Energy workshops, Kokum Hilda visits, and the ASPIRE Olympics. That’s just a small taste of the fun students had this summer. 

The response from caregivers was ecstatic! Here’s what a few folks said about their child’s experience:

“She loved the entire experience. Everything was phenomenal. She came home so happy and excited every single day.”

“Oh my, that was a great boost for me. My son enjoyed his time for the program. He is new to the school system here in Canada, and I hope he will enjoy same when school resumes in September. He was always looking forward to the next day.”

“I would like to deeply thank the creators of the program as well as everyone who worked hard to make this program an enjoyable experience for our children. I find that this program is an excellent initiative which aims to strengthen our children's relationship with the school climate while having fun and giving the opportunity to students who have not had the chance to go on a trip with their parents during the summer to have fun and flourish.”

Wow, what wonderful words from those kind folks! From all of us here at LRSD and ASPIRE, we’re glad it was such a hit with students and we’re looking forward to doing it all again next summer.

SUMMER LEARNING ACADEMY

LRSD hosted other summer learning opportunities, as well. High school students from LRSD and other divisions in and around Winnipeg attended Academic Summer Learning (summer school) to get a boost before the new school year. 

Seventy-two students studied various subjects, including Math, Chemistry, Social Studies, Phys-Ed, and English as a Second Language. 

One parent said the program made a big difference to her daughter.

“She had a good experience at summer school, and I wanted to pass on a glowing review to her pre-cal teacher. (The experience) has restored her confidence, and that is priceless.”

At our Middle-Years Camps held at Glenlawn Collegiate, 135 students got in on the fun, with many students registering for multiple camps.

Camps provided opportunities for students with a wide range of interests to hang out, have fun, and learn. Top camps for 2024 included the Art Extravaganza, Bake Off, Sports, CSI, VR Camp, and D&D. Something for everyone!

“We love these camps. I like that there are so many unique camps available to kids. The kids get to try out different things that they never would get the opportunity to try otherwise,” said one parent.

Last but not least, the LRSD International Student Program’s Summer Enrichment Program welcomed students from around the world to enhance their English skills through hands-on activities, including field trips to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Oak Hammock Marsh, FortWhyte Alive, and the Manitoba Aviation Museum.

We were so happy to have all 17 students from Japan, China, Senegal, Vietnam, and Italy.  

We hope everyone who participated in our summer programs had fun and learned a whole lot. Thank you all and have a wonderful 2024-25 school year!