ÉJCS Junior Kindergarten Student’s Idea Turns into a Club Built on Kindness
At just four-and-a-half years old, École Joe Clark School (ÉJCS) Junior Kindergarten student Ansen already knows how to bring people together.
After noticing that both he, his teacher, and his principal liked wearing jean jackets, Ansen decided it was time to make things official: the “Jean Jacket Club” was born.
“It’s for nice people,” he explained seriously while showing off his tiny denim jacket worn over a button up shirt and suspenders. “I like that we can all be friends at school.”
Membership requirements are simple: wear a jean jacket when the mood strikes and be kind.
"Lots of people wear jean jackets and we can all be in a club together. It's fun and a bit silly.” Ansen giggled. “Even if you don’t have a [jean] jacket, just be nice to everyone and you’re in!”
The club started with three official members — Ansen, Principal Jolene Becker, and the Junior Kindergarten teacher, Marisa Blanchard— and several other staff and students have since joined as word of the inclusive club spread.
ÉJCS Principal, Jolene Becker agrees that the club is about more than matching outfits. “It’s about belonging,” Principal Becker said. “When kids feel seen and connected to others, we see that in positive behaviour and success at school.”
Preparing to start full time French Immersion Kindergarten at ÉJCS this Fall, JK student Ansen knows that kindness and celebrating what we have in common is the best way to make school a great place for everyone.
At École Joe Clark School in High River, moments like this are part of the culture. Students know staff by name, staff know what makes each child light up, and little ideas often grow into school-wide traditions.
Ansen, who is preparing to enter full time French Immersion kindergarten at the school, says he likes that “everybody talks to each other” and that older students help younger students when they need it. He also shared that that students are celebrated often for being good Broncos. Ansen went on to describe the school’s Students’ Matters makers market that took place on May 8 and how it was “super fun to be a part of” and cheer on the older kids, including his big sister, Charlotte, who made and sold handcrafted items.
In a world that can sometimes feel big and busy, the tiny Jean Jacket Club is proving that a small school with a big heart can make a big difference — one denim jacket at a time.
If you are ready for your little learner to join a school that lets them feel seen, heard, and valued, check out the English and French Immersion programs at École Joe Clark School – jean jacket optional (learn more).
As this story is shared near June 6, we acknowledge Blue Jean Jacket Day, a national day of awareness that honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys. We encourage our community to take time to learn about the significance of this day and to stand in respect and remembrance.
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