Sask K of C Charitable Foundation

May Newsletter Series – Sask K of C Charitable Foundation

Columbus Bosco Saskatoon – Farm School Program

For the second week of May, we continue to feature another of the Youth Support Services that the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation provides in supporting the youth of our province. The Foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that have a lasting impact on youth in our communities, making a difference in the lives of young people as they encounter Christ in ways that shape their lives forever.

Each year, the Charitable Foundation’s Grants and Bursary Committee receives grant applications (see the Grants and Bursaries tab on the https://saskkofc.foundation website). Successful applications are awarded funding to carry out their Youth Support Services and Programs. One of the recipients this past year was the Farm School Program associated with Columbus Bosco Saskatoon.

You may ask, “Why would the Foundation support Columbus Bosco Saskatoon”? This organization, in partnership with the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, provides a Farm School Program for high school students. The Farm School Program, located on the East bank of the South Saskatchewan River, approximately 20 kilometres North of Saskatoon, is a referral-based high school program designed to meet the individual needs of “at-risk” and struggling students. A significant goal of the program is to facilitate the return of the student to their home school.

The Farm School Program serves mainly grade 9-11 students and offers regular credits. This Farm School Program has many benefits for these “at-risk” students, including:

• having an opportunity to learn life skills through landscaping, gardening, operating and repairing equipment and tools, caring for animals, photography, cooking and fine arts skills.
• learning in a peaceful, positive environment in a rural setting
• and having the opportunity to obtain credits and work towards returning to their home school.

The Farm School Program provides these students with their schooling in a calm, structured environment, in smaller class sizes with a 10-1 student-teacher ratio and includes additional support staff to meet individual needs. In addition to their classes, the students are required to care for the animals and the grounds associated with the Farm School.

When asked about their experience and what they liked most at the Farm School, successful students have replied:

• “I liked the fact that students and teachers became almost like a closely knit family. It gave me my self-confidence back. It was great!”
• “I liked the teachers. They give a lot of help to their students”.

Our KofC Mission statement regarding Charity reminds us that “We find Christ in our neighbour and are changed by each encounter.” We at the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation are indeed honoured to contribute to this mission that seeks to positively change each student, helping them to find Christ in their neighbour.