Creating Connections at the Pinecrest Public School Community Hub
Posted on 04/25/2023
This year, Pinecrest Public School launched its Community Hub – a welcoming space that provides a bridge between the school, home, and community.
Pinecrest is home to a diverse school population that welcomes approximately 496 students, with over 30 languages spoken in our homes. The Community Hub is a one-stop access point where parents and guardians get support with navigating the school system and get connected to community resources.
The Community Hub provides a safe space where families can meet with the school’s Community Liaison Officer, Noora Hussein, who works closely with parents and caregivers to share information and issues related to their children's education and wellbeing. They can also connect with the Multicultural Liaison Officer, who provides settlement and language support, and the Crossroads Worker, who works with identified students in developing and delivering a range of individualized mental health services for children under the age of 12 and their families. As a next step, the hub will also welcome students who are new to the school, introducing them to a peer mentor who will help them settle in at Pinecrest.
In addition, the Community Hub provides important supplies for families, including clothing for children, job interview clothing for parents, backpacks, school supplies, and toiletries. The school hopes to include non-perishable food items in the future.
The idea for the space was driven by parent voice. Throughout the year, parents and School Council members shared suggestions about ways to support family engagement. The school also held a focus group with Somali families, who shared their thoughts on how to create an environment of belonging. This feedback helped shape the supports offered at the Hub.
To help make the Community Hub a reality, the Student Council organized a Valentine’s Day bake sale. Families and staff donated a delicious array of baked goods, and the event raised $677 for the space! Furniture was donated by Green Standards, a company that redistributes and recycles office furnishings.
Here is what families had to say about the role of the Community Hub in their school experience:
“The community hub at my children's school (Pinecrest) is a great place with many resources.”
“As a parent, having access to this room is greatly appreciated; I felt respected and listened to my needs. The staff and the community education liaison have been amazing.”
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