Secondary school students show off in “Valemount-a-palooza”
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
Dozens of Valemount parents, teachers and residents packed into the halls of Valemount Secondary School last Wednesday to attend the school’s first-ever Valemount-a-palooza. The event brought together secondary school students to show off projects they were proud of, from paintings to poster boards with end-of-year reflections.
The idea sprung from the typical end of year art and music show the school presents, said music teacher Peter Takach. He was discussing the show with art teacher Jory Wong, who suggested expanding it to include other subjects. Soon, teachers for science classes, cooking and wood shop came on board, among others.
“Everyone was on board with it,” Takach told The Goat. “The staff was really pumped to work together… it’s always good to have people in the school to celebrate.”
The event gave a unique opportunity for both parents and residents who don’t have school-aged children to support the work of secondary school students, Takach added. Typically, people find out what students are up to through parent-teacher conferences or watching performing arts events – this gives a chance to see a more holistic view of what the students work on in school, he said.
Students were excited to present their projects, according to Takach.
“There was a lot of great energy in the halls as everyone was setting up … before the day of the Valemount-a-palooza,” he said. “I had some students getting very excited for next year and starting to think ahead.”
Takach added that turnout to the event was higher than expected. While staff haven’t decided if they’ll host another event next year, he said teachers enjoyed the evening and he hopes to make it an annual event.
“I think this is an important part of what we do here at the school. This stuff isn’t just for marks to be thrown away once you’re done,” he said. “We work really hard to provide relevant opportunities for students to make products, presentations and experiences they can share with each other. And that’s where I think we get a lot of our best learning done, when we’re excited and working towards something.”
