A school-year initiative built around geese is bringing literacy, inclusion and a sense of belonging to students at St. John Paul II Catholic School.
Every student at the school, part of the Durham Catholic District School Board, which serves families across the region including Ajax, received a backpack keychain at the start of the year welcoming them to the Silly Goose Club, according to the Durham Catholic District School Board.
The club launched as the school community marked International Literacy Day in September. The board said the initiative encourages students to be themselves and to help others.
A goose named Gander
Students also took part in a read-aloud of Silly Goose Goes Back to School by Lindsay Marcos, which the board said sparked conversations about friendship, confidence and belonging.
One of the project's highlights was inviting students to submit names for the school's porch goose. After many thoughtful entries, the goose was officially named Gander.
The name carried extra meaning for several junior students, who connected it to the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who opened their homes to stranded travellers after the events of 9/11, providing food, shelter and care. Staff said they were touched by the students' reflections on kindness, compassion and service to others.
Educator Mrs. Caruso curated a wardrobe for Gander that celebrates school spirit throughout the year. The goose now wears country-themed attire, a raincoat for wet weather and a purple spirit shirt featuring the school logo every Wednesday. Students check each day to see what Gander is wearing, and the board said the goose has become a beloved member of the school community.
Lessons from the flock
The theme also connects to the board's 2026-2027 spiritual theme, Shining Our Light, and to lessons geese offer about teamwork, perseverance, leadership and caring for one another.
Geese fly in a V-formation to support each other and conserve energy, and no goose is ever left behind. The board described that as a metaphor for community, with members of the flock sharing leadership and looking out for one another.
Through assemblies and classroom discussions, students have explored Catholic virtues such as empathy, kindness and inclusion, and what it means to be a shining light for others. Teachers have added geese to their classrooms as friends for Gander, and lessons tied to the theme have been carried out in science classes as well.
The board said the enthusiasm around Gander and the Silly Goose Club has brought smiles, laughter and a stronger sense of community to the school, and staff plan to build on that positive energy as the year continues.
