Learning and Fun is a free after school program for children in grades 1-8 from Bennetto Public School and St. Lawrence Catholic Elementary School. The LAF program runs for over an hour and a half each day (3:15-4:50) Monday through Thursday, and the students attend twice a week. The first half of the day is spent completing homework, building skills through curriculum-based workbooks, engaging educational games and accessing computer resources, as well as playing outside, using sports equipment, making crafts and playing games during the ‘fun’ portion of the day. The LAF program not only allows students to access extra help to promote academic success, focusing particularly on math and language skill development, but it allows for an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.

Each student in LAF is carefully matched to a volunteer Mentor from McMaster University or the local community to receive one-on-one mentoring and homework assistance. Our Mentors are not only positive role models, but also “Nurturers of Possibilities” in the lives of our students. The Mentors receive ongoing training in their role and are equipped to creatively meet the children where they are academically and socially.

Whether the students are having a snack that we provide each day upon arrival or playing a game with their mentor, participating in a group activity or completing their homework and learning new skills, all of the students enjoy the personal and academic development that they receive at LAF.

Parents, teachers and school principals, all indicate to us that LAF is an integral part of building resiliency in this community and is helping children to feel more confident about themselves and the pursuit of education. 

LAF is a cooperative effort of Welcome Inn Community Centre, St. Lawrence Catholic Elementary School, Bennetto Public School, and Open Circle – Community Volunteer Action of McMaster University. LAF is made possible by the generous support of United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton, the Junior League of Hamilton and Burlington, BMO Employees Fund, the International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons, and the individual donors and groups who support the work of Welcome Inn Community Centre.

Click for more information about LAF or other programs

Check out the websites below for fun kid-friendly activities!

Popular Multi-Subject Sites

• Enchanted Learning
  Information, printable activity pages, and dictionaries on biology, geography, history, music, science, and language arts. Pre K–8
• http://www.edhelper.com
• http://www.abcteach.com
• http://www.gotmilk.com
• http://www.family.ca

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If you would like to know more about the programs and services of Welcome Inn please send us an email using this form. We will respond to your request shortly.

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