Student Leadership

February 5, 2021

J.B. Mitchell has an all-inclusive program called the "J Team". The J Team program allows all students in grades 5 and 6 the opportunity to participate and experience varying roles and responsibilities throughout the school and the school year.

The three groups that comprise the J-Team are:

recess buddies and school activity monitors (SAMs)
leadership

school patrols

All J.B. Mitchell students assist in recycling, composting and maintaining our school gardens.

Recess Buddies and Student Activity Monitors (SAMs)

During a.m. and p.m. recesses our trained and experienced grade 6 SAMs are out on duty. The main goal of SAMs is promoting fair-play and ensuring students have a positive recess experience. SAMs assist in distributing recess equipment, explaning rules, and monitoring play around the tether-ball, 4-square, basketball, and schlockey areas.

The recess buddy program teams students in Grade 5 with Grade 1 classrooms where they are encouraged to help the students get ready for recess and re-entry, play active games with them as well as teach them various playground games. They are encouraged to act like a helpful big brother or sister and form bonds with the youngest members of the playground. They also help out in classes during indoor recesses. At these times they may join in on art, activities, building activities or just chat with students who are on their own.

Leadership Program

Through our Physical Education program students are chosen to be in the leadership program. These students assist the physical education program in many ways. When younger students come to the gym to work on their basic motor skills the leadership students set up the stations and act as guides for the younger students. During lunch hours when students are participating in extra-curricular activities they will be the ones setting up and refereeing the games as the physical education teacher looks on. When we have other "fun" school activities such as Summer or Winter Fun Days they are generally the students supervising the activities. Students assume this leadership role with a great deal of pride.

School Safety Patrols

Our school patrols are on duty at

8:40 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
12:00 p.m. - 12:10 p.m.
12:45 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.

Who benefits from the School Safety Patrol Program?
borrowed from: British Columbia Automobile Association website

The community – The School Safety Patrol Program helps foster closer ties with the neighbouring community. Student patrollers are visible ambassadors for their school and assist both parents and their children at school crossings. Participation of a number of schools within a school district provides consistent training across the district. In addition, consistent training within a district allows for drivers travelling through different school zones to easily identify patrollers and respond to standard safety patrol procedures.
student patroller blowing whistle

The school – While the obvious benefit to the school is reduced congestion and pedestrian safety in the immediate area of the school, there are additional benefits. The school is providing students with an opportunity to learn leadership and teamwork skills and develop a sense of community service. Participating schools often find that the School Safety Patrol helps to increase the school’s visibility in the community. Providing a safe access to school encourages families to be active and choose alternative ways to travel to school as well as reduce harmful vehicle emissions.

The student patrollers – Being a safety patroller provides students with learning opportunities. They receive proper training, and, through the program, develop a sense of responsibility and citizenship. Student patrollers become role models for younger students. The school safety patrol receive recognition from their school community for their commitment and dedication.