September 19, 2025"Grade 7s in Action": Making a Difference at the Trinkets & Treats Market

Aberdeen Hall’s Grade 7s kicked off the school year with heart, creativity, and community spirit at the Trinkets & Treats Market on September 17th.
What began as a classroom challenge from Grade 7 teacher, Ms. St. Jean - “How can you make a difference in our community?”- quickly grew into a hands-on project that had students brainstorming causes, planning initiatives, and bringing their ideas to life. Through weeks of guided collaboration, students learned how to research, organize, write proposals, create budgets, and present their ideas with confidence.

Market Day Magic

The highlight was market day, when the Grade 7s transformed their ideas into action. The outdoor Student Commons buzzed with excitement as tables overflowed with baked goods, crafts, and creative “trinkets”- each tied to a cause chosen by the students themselves.
One team designed and sold handmade keychains to support Kelowna General Hospital.

Another group baked up fall treats, with proceeds going to the Okanagan Food Bank.

Other projects spread kindness in different ways - from walking dogs in their neighbourhoods to creating informative presentations for middle school peers.

Parents, teachers, and fellow students joined in the fun, supporting the young changemakers and celebrating their efforts. Their hard work also had a measurable impact - raising an impressive $1,993.90 for local charities, including the BC SPCA, KGH Foundation, Jump Start, Happy Hooves, East Meets West, Hands in Service, and the Okanagan Food Bank. Each cause was selected by the students, giving deeper meaning to their fundraising and ensuring their contributions directly supported the community.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

This project was more than just a fundraiser - it was an exercise in leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Students discovered how rewarding it can be to make an impact on their community while practicing the critical and creative thinking skills embedded in their English Language Arts curriculum.

As Ms. St. Jean noted, “It’s incredible to see their curiosity at work, and the places it is taking them.”

Congratulations to our Grade 7 students for showing us the power of ideas in action, and thank you to the families and staff who encouraged and supported them along the way.