A hustle-bustle energy and Christmas Magic filled the air at École H.J. Cody School’s first annual Christmas Market shortly before Christmas. The market welcomed about 300 community members in four hours on a Saturday morning, at the Sylvan Lake school.
“We couldn’t stop smiling,” said Jamie Fisher, Educational Assistant at HJ Cody, and one of the market’s organizers. “The joy it brought to the students and our community was wonderful.”
Holly Schultz, an EA at HJ Cody, received word in August that the community Yuletide market they had participated in the past two years wasn’t continuing this year. Students who participate in the school’s Creative Gems counted on revenue generated in that market, and the program appreciated the purpose and opportunity that event provided to students.
With that information Schultz and Fisher requested permission from the school’s leadership to host a market of their own. Creative Gems runs as a small business within the school, providing real life marketing, and sales opportunities for life skills students. In the past, Creative Gems students created handmade crafts to sell at the Yuletide market.
For this year’s market, Creative Gems invited other student crafters from throughout Chinook’s Edge schools in Sylvan Lake, as well as some of the parents who wanted to sell home-made products. Products included jewelry, baking, Christmas mats, Christmas decorations, T-shirts, potted plants and floral arrangements, 3D printed products and woodworking crafts. Organizers intentionally did not charge a table fee for product sellers, to reduce barriers for young entrepreneurs.
Also, the HJ Cody band performed, the cast for the upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland sang Christmas carols, and even Santa made a visit.
“It was a lot of work and energy, but when we saw it all rolled out, and felt all the magic in the air, it was amazing,” says Fisher “All day long I was weeping happy tears. It was just so successful and a real privilege to see all the hard work pay off” says Schultz.
“This was just another way of HJ Cody giving back to our community,” says Alex Lambert, Principal, HJ Cody School. “It was a great opportunity for our students who participate in Creative Gems to engage with the community, to showcase their work and be proud of it. We love that it provided opportunities to students and families throughout our community, and that we had the privilege of welcoming our community into the walls of our school.”
Students throughout the community enjoyed the event. Cowen Garrow, an H.J. Cody student says, “My favorite part of this event is Santa Claus.” Indy Robinson, an H.J. Cody student says, “my favorite part of the day is the Christmas spirit!”
École Fox Run student Nixon Koesling-Christianson, says “I enjoyed seeing friends and family.”
Fox Run student Theron Simpson says, “I liked seeing the little kids’ faces light up when we gave them a balloon.” Similarly, Fox Run student Jodin MacLeod says, “It was great to see all the little kids really happy walking away with the stuffed animals.”
Deah Stadnick, also a Fox Run student, says, “I like just being here and seeing people be happy and get stuff they like.”
Fisher says the market outshone their hopes for the day, and as a result, they will likely host a market again next year.
The event also raised more than $300 for the community’s foodbank, and a significant amount of food donations.
“Thank you to everyone who attended and to our many volunteers,” says Fisher and Schultz. “Community spirit is strong in Sylvan Lake and we are grateful."
Story submitted by: Laurette Woodward, Chinook's Edge School Division
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