Students at WPC say its time to talk about IBD

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This article was published 21/11/2016 (3487 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A group of students at Windsor Park Collegiate wants to start a conversation with the community about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In Jean-Luc Suszko’s co-operative education class for students with cognitive challenges, students in the school’s newly-built Makers Studio have been busy manufacturing survival bracelets in support of individuals living with IBD. In the spotlight of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month this November, the goal is to sell the bracelets with the profits earmarked for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for research.

Suszko, an industrial arts technology education teacher, said the idea to make the bracelets was sparked by empathy for Janice Hallem, a retired educational assistant that has returned to the school as a substitute educational assistant. After sharing with the students that she suffers from Crohn’s disease, coupled with a classroom visit by John McDonald from Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the students decided they wanted to do something to help.

“They were empowered to develop a product for manufacturing with a goal of giving back through their work,” Suszko said.

Hallem, who is also a former student at the school, said she is touched by the contribution of the class.

“What they’re doing means a lot to me,” Hallem said.

“There’s no cure for Crohn’s disease. I’ve suffered from it for over 30 years and had numerous surgeries. It can be a terrible illness. Lots of people don’t want to talk about it because it’s about a bowel movement.”

“I’m so proud I am of these students for embracing this great cause for me,” she added.

In terms of the bracelet, the item is accompanied by a clever slogan — IBD: I’ve Been Doing Surviving, to acknowledge the struggle that sufferers face. Each durable bracelet is made of around 10 inches of high-strength military cord and has 101 uses.

Student Brittany said the group will be selling the bracelets at several sales for the in-school community and that it’s important to be able to raise awareness about IBD. She said uses for the bracelets include a water bottle holder and dog collar.

Student Jon added that the bracelets can also be used as a skipping rope, a hair tie, a towrope, a saw and a fishing line.

Suszko said the studio, which is connected to the school’s library, was built in September and is available for use by the whole school. He said student learning outcomes for the co-operative education class include entrepreneurship, citizenship, manufacturing, budgeting collaboration and empathy.   

“We’re one of the only schools in the division fortunate to have a studio like this,” he said, noting the concept originated in California.

“It gives us the chance to provide out-of-the-box learning opportunities. Our goal with this initiative is to make at least 100 bracelets and we’re up to 73 right now (as of Nov. 15). We’ve sold quite a few, so hopefully we’ll exceed our goal.”

Suszko said the school has also recently redesigned and relaunched its Royals logo and changed its colours from black and yellow to a purple and silver design: “The school gave every student and staff member a T-shirt.”    

    
The bracelets cost $5 each and can be ordered by the community by calling the school at 204-256-7316.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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