Parents of grade 5 and 6 students at Vincent Massey Public School received an unusual field trip letter — “Students To Climb Mount Everest Today!” The students shared in an incredible project with a local film-maker and social entrepeneur, Elia Saikaly. The students followed Elia as he attempted to climb Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. Students interacted with Elia and his team through new technology and social media such as Skype, video calls, daily blogs, satellite phone calls, and webisodes produced from Everest Base Camp. They developed not only academic skills such as reading and writing, but learned about themselves and the power they have to make a difference in the lives of others.

Students undertook fitness challenges, goal-setting exercises, self-reflections, and initiative fund-raising efforts in support of Child Haven Inter-Vincent Massey Public School Summit Celebration.

national. The project was highlighted by a Summit Celebration at Vincent Massey on the evening of Elia’s successful summit. Students and their parents took part in a variety of presentations and activities, culminating in a live Skype call with Elia’s Base Camp manager as Elia reached the summit. The project has had a lasting impact on student achievement, inspired leadership and learning in the students, and created citizens connected to their own community and children across the world