Exploring Privilege-Stories from SEED School

 by Shauna Lever

As part of the CC/OM program, the Grade 3/4 classroom at St. Angela School wanted to explore the idea of privilege and how we can impact change as the learners of tomorrow. At the beginning of the week it was especially difficult for some of my students to comprehend the idea of privilege. As much as we talked about it, it wasn't until they experienced it firsthand that I finally knew they understood what I was talking about. One morning we got dropped off at the new Central Library. It was an especially cold day and there were about 50 people, including us, waiting for the library to open at 9:00 to be let in. We weren't there for very long when a man who worked for the library approached me and asked if I was with the students. When I said yes, he instructed that we were able to go inside the library, even though it didn't open for an additional 5 minutes or so. Having the students recognize that they experienced privilege just for being kids, without having to do anything to earn that privilege, is an experience that happened at the perfect time. In that moment, they understood that some people in the world have  just because of who they are. While we got to go inside and get warm, the rest of the people who were waiting to go in, continued to stand in the cold. 

The students also got to explore the idea of privilege in more detail by taking a tour of Inn From the Cold, and Feed the Hungry. Both of these experiences allowed the students to recognize the supports that are in place for vulnerable persons and how life can look different for others. We also had the opportunity to talk to a resident of the Mustard Seed who shared her beautiful story of resilience and overcoming difficult circumstances and challenges. The students talked to their Indigenous counselor who assists and helps with their Indigenous clientele. Our week at the Mustard Seed is the first step in having the next generation rid the stereotypes of different populations of people. 

G-– My favourite thing about seed school was when we went to the staircase because I liked how Pat said to the people would you like to do your art in my staircase because even though they were drawing on the property he let them do it. 


E– My favourite thing about seed school was meeting Keely and planting the mustard seed. I loved her story and how she ended up in the mustard Seed.