INNISFAIL – During the holidays most people gather to share special time with family, friends and the community.
Students and staff at Innisfail Middle School (IMS) came together for the first-ever Mustang Mistletoe Turkey Dinner on Dec. 20.
“I read a quote once that said, ‘supper is super when it’s eaten together’ and I think that’s true,” said Dana Schafer, vice-principal at IMS.
“We’ve really been working on building community at Innisfail Middle School. A school goal of ours is to get the teachers and the students to really be part of this community and to have Mustang pride,” she said of the school's mascot. “We thought having a celebration and eating together is one of the best ways of doing that.”
They set place settings for about 340 students, excluding 130 staff members, noted Shafer.
Students from grades 5 to 8 were treated to a buffet style turkey dinner with all the trimmings that included mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce and gravy. Students were also treated to cheesecake for dessert made by Divots restaurant at the Innisfail Golf Club.
The two-course meal was served by Innisfail Middle School teachers and staff, who were joined by Lissa Steele, associate superintendent of learning services for Chinook’s Edge School Division.
Teachers also provided some entertainment during the event.
Shafer said the turkey dinner was made possible by contributions and donations from the Innisfail community.
“It’s truly because the community came together. We had about 15 sponsors from throughout the community. Everywhere from $150 donations to $50 donations as well as donations in kind,” said Schafer. “From businesses and people. The Innisfail Growers were a big component of that and also the Olson family donated all 20 of our 25-pound turkeys,” she added.
“That was a big reason why we’ve been able to provide this for free to the students.
“The community really came together to provide that.”
Following the turkey dinner students took part in the school’s annual talent show that included Highland dancing, singing and playing of musical instruments.
Schafer said it was a good experience for students and highlighted the importance of sharing a community dinner together.
“Some of them don’t get to sit down with their friends very often and enjoy a celebration like this in a formal way, so it’s nice,” said Schafer. “Hopefully the community comes together again next year.”
