Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom

The True North Youth Foundation celebrates teachers who make programming possible

The True North Youth Foundation (TNYF) and its three core programs, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA), Camp Manitou and Project 11, are greatly supported by Manitoba teachers. Without teachers going out of their way to learn and teach new curriculum, volunteering their time or finding exciting and enriching opportunities for their students, the TNYF wouldn’t be able to positively impact as many Manitoba youth.

“The WJHA is a big part of our school culture at Bruce Middle School,” said teacher John Kostiuk, who has been a volunteer teacher with the WJHA for nine years. “It has given so many students self-confidence over the years to overcome obstacles and challenges with perseverance and hard work.”

The WJHA program is designed to increase school attendance and high school graduation rates in socially and economically challenged schools in Winnipeg. Students get to learn hockey, grow their skills and play on a team while having access to tutoring, mentorship, after-school programming, field trips, volunteer and job opportunities and other supports. The WJHA makes sure each student can get the most out of the program by removing barriers like transportation, nutrition and the cost of equipment.

“The WJHA staff always go above and beyond to connect with all the WJHA student athletes, and without question, this has a positive impact on these students inside and outside of school,” said Kostiuk. “I have no doubt this program has helped many students graduate who may not have done so without the skills it teaches, and the academic supports it provides.”

Kostiuk would understand the impact of programs like these. Currently celebrating his 28^th year of teaching, he’s had a lot of students walk through his classroom doors.

“Our schools are full of so many talented and hard-working students,” said Kostiuk. “I have been extremely fortunate in my career to have been able to teach and coach so many talented people, and seeing students accomplish individual goals and team goals is very rewarding.”

Teacher Darren Cable has also been working with students for almost three decades. As the Work Education and Student Leadership Coordinator for Frontier School Division, he coordinates students coming to Winnipeg from northern communities for work and volunteer placement programming. The students and chaperones from the program stay at Camp Manitou during their placement and are one of the many special interests groups the camp hosts each year.

“At Camp Manitou there is a very calming vibe that blends nature with comfort. All our students and staff feel safe and right at home when we drive into camp for any of our programming,” said Cable. While staying at camp, students also participate in activities the 39-acre, four-season camp offers.

“The Camp Manitou staff are amazing, extremely welcoming and overly accommodating, which is important for the many communities that we service,” said Cable, who referenced a student who was nervous about coming to the city for his volunteer placement. Camp Manitou offered him the opportunity to complete his volunteering hours with the maintenance team, and the student thrived.

“He had an amazing week being at Camp Manitou and working alongside the staff,” said Cable. “He went home with not only a great experience but also with a credit for his volunteer hours and immediately asked if he could do it again next year.”

Another TNYF teacher ambassador making a difference in their student’s lives is Julia Wells from Ecole St. Avila. Wells is trained to teach Project 11 curriculum to her students, helping them learn mental wellness tools and strategies.

“Project 11 lessons have had a very positive impact on my students, particularly in helping them develop a stronger understanding of their emotions and how to manage them in different ways,” said Wells. “My students are more comfortable having discussions and are very good at supporting one another. I have noticed improvements in self-regulation, problem-solving and increased empathy among students.”

Project 11 is mental health curriculum tailored for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Created in honour of former Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jets player Rick Rypien, who was a mental health advocate for youth, Project 11 provides programming at no cost to Manitoba teachers.

“Becoming a Project 11 teacher has encouraged me to be more reflective and intentional in my teaching practice by creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and openly expressing their feelings,” said Wells. “It’s helped me become more proactive in checking in with my students daily, teaching self-regulation strategies and intentionally embedding movement and mindfulness into our daily routines. These practices have significantly improved student engagement and behaviour.”

While this is only Wells second year of teaching, she knew she wanted to work in the field from a very young age.

“When I was a student in Grade 3, I was inspired to become a teacher because school was a place I enjoyed being – I was excited to go to school every day,” said Wells. “I have always loved working with kids and helping them learn, grow, and succeed, so I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in this world.”

Inspired by his dad’s career as a teacher, Cable also wanted to make a positive impact through teaching.

“I enjoyed hearing people share how my dad made a difference in their lives. I wanted to make a difference as well,” he said.

Kostiuk’s pursuit of teaching was also inspired by a parent, but his love of sports and coaching is what pushed him to want to help young athletes achieve their goals.

“My coaches and teachers influenced me, and I wanted to do the same for others and provide them the opportunities I had,” said Kostiuk. “I hope I have helped other students become connected and feel important and valued in the same way.”