Deep Learning: Two Projects, One Purpose: Monsignor O’Donoghue CES clothing drive and fashion show support St. Vincent de Paul
June 16, 2025
This spring, Grade 7 students in teacher Krista Skinner’s class at Monsignor O’Donoghue Catholic Elementary School led a powerful deep learning initiative that combined two projects in support of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Vinnies Feel Good Shopping Store: the “Clothes For A Cause” clothing drive and “Kindness on the Runway” fashion show.
From April 22 to May 9, students collected gently used clothing and raised awareness about sustainability and second-hand fashion. The campaign ended with a student-run fashion show featuring styled outfits from the donations—celebrating generosity, creativity, and community support.
As part of their deep learning, students engaged in Sharing Circles to guide their planning, partnered with community leaders including Sue Armitage from St. Vincent de Paul and Angela Oran from Vinnies, and visited the Vinnies store to see their cause in action.
“What stands out to me when I reflect on my experience visiting Mrs. Skinner’s class throughout the project is how receptive she and her students were to learning about and practising Indigenous pedagogies,” Michael Mooney, Learning Consultant, said. “I felt that our time together was rooted in respect, and that her students really understood what it meant to listen and speak from the heart.”
“I absolutely loved being a part of such a memorable deep learning experience with my Grade 7 students this year,” said Skinner. “By adjusting my role from educator to facilitator or project manager I witnessed my students find their voice, support one another, listen to each other, persevere to bring their ideas to fruition, demonstrate a passion to make a difference in our community and put their Catholic faith into action by supporting Vinnies; reminding me once again why I love teaching!”
The project also strengthened digital skills: students created posters with Canva, practiced writing professional emails, and used AI tools to help prepare their emcee notes.
Reflecting on the experience, students said the project helped them build confidence, take on real responsibilities, and show kindness in action.
“I learned that I tend to distance myself from opportunities like this but as the project went on and I received so much support, encouragement, and guidance the fashion show went easy for me and my confidence increased during this project,” said Juanita Arobieke.
“I learned that when I open up to my peers I feel more comfortable with the people around me and I hope in the future I get to have Sharing Circles in Grade 8 and Secondary School,” added Xavier Fee.
“I learned that if I actually try to work I can get a lot done in a little bit. In this project everyone was included in the team and I tried to work with different people and get stuff done,” added Liam Beard, student.
This initiative brought faith, learning, and service together.
The Deep Learning Inquiry project is a model where students take charge of their learning by exploring issues they are passionate about, while teachers facilitate resources and opportunities for deeper exploration.
“I was so proud to see the work that Mrs. Skinner’s Grade 7 class has undertaken as part of the Deep Learning Initiative this year come together with an amazing event. Their work honours many modalities of learning including connections to indigenous ways of learning, the 21st Century Learning skills and of course our Catholic Faith,” added Principal Paul Hough. “I’m particularly proud to see their work connect learning about the cost of living, sustainable practices and connections to our faith in supporting St. Vincent de Paul.”