Queen Victoria PS works hard, works smart and works together. That was the key to success for the school as they rose to a challenge presented by the local police division.
This past December, 14 Division of the Toronto Police Service challenged local schools to collect food for the annual Parkdale Community Food Bank Drive. Queen Victoria PS and Ms. Way’s grade six students took the challenge to heart. They planned, counted, graphed and strategized to collect the most items of any school and individual class in the neighbourhood. In total, Queen Victoria PS collected 2,633 items of food.
On March 8, students were recognized as the winners of the challenge by members of 14 Division, including Superintendent Frank Bergen, the Parkdale Community Food Bank, and former Toronto Argonaut player and coach Michael "Pinball" Clemons. Ms Way’s grade 6 class were also awarded a pizza party for their efforts in raising more than any single class.
Nine elementary schools participated in the month-long food drive challenge to raise much-needed food for the Parkdale Community Food Bank. The winning school heard an inspiring message from "Pinball" Clemons, who told students to follow their dreams and pursue their interests. He shared that when he was just 8 years old he was told he was “too small” to play football. That didn’t stop him however, and he persevered and worked hard to go on to play university ball where he earned a degree before turning pro. Clemons, who once described himself as "American by birth but Canadian by choice," is currently Vice Chair of the Argos.
“We learned that none of us are ‘too small’ to make a difference,” said Principal Madelaine Allan of the co-ordinated community effort that showcased the generosity of her students. “When we work together to solve a community challenge, all of us benefit.”