Hear what parents have to say about the iGen experience.
Would you recommend iGen to other families? If so, why?
- I would absolutely recommend it. It's an opportunity like no other.
- I see the students learn from a person’s life experiences rather than their parents or even a book.
- The students get the chance to be a part of something bigger than a typical classroom.
- We have recommended iGen to other families and have answered many questions. Our child has been invited for “coffee” more than we have time for to discuss the program with other parents and prospective Grade 5 students.
- I have and will take any chance I get to talk about the program.
- Keri is an amazing teacher and the way the kids are learning this year is amazing!
- I would recommend iGen to other families; it's such a wonderful experience for children.
- iGen is more than just education — lots of learning and questioning is coming home with our child because of this experience.
- My son’s acceptance and curiosity about others has grown, and he is willing to look inward.
- iGen has been a life-changing experience for my child.
- I see that my child has an understanding of empathy versus sympathy and has become adept at embracing different social situations.
- I absolutely recommend iGen because of confidence that has been built. The learning of respect and acceptance will last a lifetime. The learning through interaction with Elders and experiences is a powerful philosophy as a whole.
- It reminds kids that learning is about so much more than individual subjects and marks. There are so many ways to learn, and so many processes and products that benefit the learner and the community.
- It helps children discover and claim their diverse strengths. My son shows the confidence to be many things: a wrestler, an artist, a thinker, a comedian … his self-knowledge is richer because of iGen.
- This program and the teacher have greatly improved the outlook of my child on the school system.
What growth have you seen in your child as a result of iGen?
- I’ve noticed that our son seems more aware of his family members; for example, how they are feeling and what they need. He listens and responds in caring and helpful ways more often. I’ve also noticed that his knowledge about human nature has increased, as have his questions. He often wonders why people behave as they do. At iGen, he has learned that you can’t judge a book by its cover and everyone has a story.
- The growth I have seen has had a huge impact on my child's daily life.
- I’ve seen an increase in confidence because of iGen.
- The respect and manners my child is learning to show are obvious.
- iGen has given my child the chance to interact with others and develop her social aspect.
- My child is showing an increased acceptance of everyone.
- For this iGen year, my child is a happy child, wanting to learn and participate.
- The curiosity about people that my child shows is really impressive.
- This experience has been life changing for my child and for her future.
- iGen has opened our child’s eyes to the abilities and gifts Elders have to give to us and our community. Thank you for the opportunity to be given this gift.
- The biggest growth I’ve seen in my child is the joy she comes home with every day. Telling me all about her friends (the Elders) at Sherbrooke and how much she loves going to Sherbrooke every day. I love that my child has friendships with people of all ages that she can learn and grow from.
- My son has grown socially — he took the time to call a friend (family adult) to wish Happy Birthday.
- My daughter interacts with adults in a different way. She comes home and talks about the interactions she has during the day with the Elders.
- For the iGen students, Elders are part of their social circle.
- Our daughter has grown in many ways this year. Of particular note, her academic capacity has improved with extra effort, even with difficult assignments. She seems to fit in well socially and has greater compassion as a whole.
- My child has shown patience, independence and is willing to help more.
Parent Feedback
“I would like to take a few minutes to thank some people. To all the amazing Elders that spent time with my daughter this past year — she has come home every day with a story of something she has learned from you … I cannot express how much she looks forward to seeing all of you.
To J — Thank you for all of your stories.
To D — Thank you for always making my daughter smile.
To T — Your funny stories at recess and in the art room will always be remembered.
To M — From day one my daughter started to learn sign language just to spend time with and learn from you …very cool!
And W — My daughter can’t say your name without a giggle and a smile … she has enjoyed her time with you.
Thank you to all her classmates — a great group of kids that made this a great year!
Thank you to the program and teachers that allowed a hands-on approach; she was learning and enjoying every minute in the flexible schedule that taught responsibility.
Thank you to the Sherbrooke staff who made her feel at home.
When I asked my daughter to sum up her teacher, Keri, she took a moment and said, “amazing, unbelievable teacher that makes learning fun. I will miss her very much.” So thank you, Keri, for designing an amazing program.
Sorry if I missed anyone but thank you for your part in making this such a great year for my daughter. I’m sure she will be working in the healthcare system in the future. To next year’s class, you have nothing but an exciting adventure to look forward to. Good luck to all of you!"
— Nita
"The three most positive changes I have seen in Maria this year all involve her relationship-building skills. Her insight into those different than herself, the empathy and compassion she has shown to those around her, and her enthusiasm to learn and experience all things offered from the Elders and Sherbrooke community. The special atmosphere, the unique experiences and the opportunity for personal growth are immeasurable. A truly wonderful human experience."
— Joan and Eric
"One of the things that parents may worry about with this model of classroom is how their child will access the extracurricular activities that form a very important part of the school experience. We have found that the iGen team works exceptionally hard to make sure the iGen kids are not only welcomed to take part in activities at College Park but that they are made part of the College Park school family. Not only has my child been able to benefit from an exceptional band program but she has taken part in relay races, dances, school trips, such as the Brightwater camping trip, Me to We day and the school skiing trip.
Also, if your child has a particular interest, or you find an opportunity in which they could be involved, the iGen team will work hard to find a way to personalize their learning experience and include this opportunity. For example, my daughter has been working on a submission to the Saskatoon Public Library’s Book Trailer contest during school hours. For families that are unsure about having their child in such an independent learning environment, I can say that the iGen team works exceptionally hard to nurture each and every child, and to meet them where they are, not only academically but in their extracurricular interests as well."
— D.O
"Our family came to the program rather reluctantly. PK was excited to apply and be a part of the class from the very first mention of it. I didn’t think much of it until the night of open house when PK demanded I take her to see what it was all about. I am certainly glad I did.
We arrived at the open house not knowing what to expect but left that night knowing we had to be part of this experience. I saw a group of Grade 6 students, who I had never met, greet me and take me on a very detailed tour. They were articulate, caring and enthusiastic.
I was apprehensive about the academic piece — PK often struggled with a few reading- and math-related issues, so I wondered HOW could this program effectively manage her potential needs in these critical areas. I worried about extracurricular and transportation. After the open house, we decided that despite our hesitation the outcomes seemed so powerful we would apply and see what happens.
PK was apprehensive when the letter of acceptance came in the mail but we committed to the project, so we spent the summer getting into the idea that she would switch schools (again, for us we had just relocated to Saskatoon a year prior).
Within the first week of school, I noticed a difference. She was eager to go to school, she was working on homework without being prompted (well, more so than usual) and she was reading! I need to mention that PK
NEVER recreationally read and now she was asking for new books and reading out loud.
I have seen her interact with strangers (of all ages) differently; she is open and kind and empathetic. She reminds us frequently about the importance of Elders and the relationship with them.
She had a conversation with a peer and her family about how they should not call the Elders “old people.” Afterwards, the mom of the peer told me she was blown away by how articulate and reflective the conversation was and that she wished she had let her daughter apply to iGen.
PK leaves this experience with a tremendous gift. She is a stronger student, she has a worldly appreciation for diversity, and most importantly, she has the skill set to develop, nurture and evaluate relationships. We frequently discuss the concept of friendship, and though she doesn’t have the vocabulary to fully understand what she is taking from this, she tries to articulate that friendships are about respect, they are about differences and they are about reciprocity.
This program is not about school and curriculum — this program is about people. What could be a more powerful way for 11-to-12-year-old students to learn about who they are and who they want to be?"
— Colleen
"When we first heard about iGen we knew right away this would be a good fit for Mia. Sherbrooke holds a special place in our family’s hearts. Both our girls went to daycare at Sherbrooke, where we saw first-hand how being surrounded by the Elders and wonderful caregivers benefited our girls, and also how the Elders benefited from them. Before Mia turned three, my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia. Looking back, I remember seeing signs before Mia was walking, so she grew up witnessing his struggle. He started in the day program at Sherbrooke when she was four and progressed to respite care and eventually full-time care. During the early, most confusing stages for my dad I remember him rationalizing attending the day program by saying he was visiting his grandchildren. Needless to say, our family believes in the Eden philosophy!
Even with all this history we still had concerns and questions. What about the academics? How will she do socially, pulling her out of her home school for a year when she was already struggling to find her place? Being a girl in grades 5 and 6 can be so hard! Logistically, how is it going to work with two kids at two separate schools? So, we came to the open house, where many of our concerns were put to ease by Keri, the kids, Elders and other parents like me sharing their experience. No one could speak to how their kids transitioned back to their home schools because it was the first year. We prepared her application in advance of the evening and when it was done, we decided to submit her application and see how we felt if she was accepted.
We got Mia’s acceptance just days after my dad lost his nine-year battle with dementia. If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is, so we took a leap of faith and we haven’t looked back.
To address our original concerns:
- Academic: Mia said it best when I asked her after the first week if she’d learned anything. Her response was “No,” and then she thought about her answer and said, “Actually, I’m sure I’ve learned lots but I’m having such a good time I didn’t even notice." They are being taught by teachers and Elders, and more importantly, they are learning how they can be of benefit to others and help people around them.
- Social: I saw her confidence, which was slowly being chipped away, come back and grow making me worry less about her transition back to her home school. She has grown so much this year and has made lifelong friends with her classmates, Elders, and of course, the teacher Keri.
- Logistics: The program is so good, it's worth figuring out the logistics.
In summary, I am sad this program is only one year — it’s hard to imagine it coming to an end. Keri, specifically, is an amazing support and there for whatever your child needs. As a parent, I have felt more involved than ever before and am happy to have gained a friend in Keri. Our youngest is already talking about applying!"
— Amanda MacKenzie
