Courageous Contributors in Action
HS ELL Students Serving a Local Elementary School
On Tuesday, December 16, MRCS High School English Language Learning (ELL) students brought, our International Student Coordinator, Ms. Reimer’s Teaching with Transformation vision to life as Courageous Contributors, serving a local inner-city elementary school in Surrey through compassion, service, and meaningful connection.
As part of their learning journey, our ELL students explore what it means to contribute courageously—within their homestay families, at MRCS, and in the wider community. This outreach marked an important milestone, allowing students to apply language learning in real-world settings while responding to a tangible community need.
The elementary school they visited recently lost its breakfast program due to funding challenges, leaving many students without a reliable morning meal. When our ELL students learned of this need, they were eager to help. Together, they prepared and served a warm waffle breakfast and shared story time with Grade 5 students—offering nourishment not only for bodies, but for hearts as well.
Throughout the morning, students practiced English authentically by welcoming children, serving food, reading aloud, and engaging in conversation. Learning flowed both ways: our ELL students bravely read in English, while Grade 5 students helped them with new vocabulary. In one tender moment, a student worried that his audience had fallen asleep during reading. Ms. Reimer reassured him that this simply meant the children felt safe, calm, and cared for.
The impact of this experience was deeply felt. When asked about the breakfast, one student joyfully declared, “They taste like heaven!” Our ELL students gifted each child a handmade Christmas card—and were surprised to receive heartfelt thank-you cards in return. As the bus pulled away, two elementary students ran outside, waving goodbye until our students were out of sight.
Through experiences like this, our ELL students learn that courage is not always loud or bold. It is often found in quiet acts of service, gentle kindness, and genuine connection. These moments shape compassionate global citizens and leave lasting imprints on both those who give and those who receive.
In January, our students will continue this partnership by collecting non-perishable food items, clothing, and essential supplies to support these children who face ongoing daily challenges. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our MRCS donor community, whose support makes opportunities like this possible. Your continued partnership helps ensure that students—both those learning English and those in our local community—experience dignity, care, and hope.
