By Jason Misner
COMMUNICATIONS OFFCER, HDSB STAFF

When Pineland Public School students and staff talk about Laura Hillier, their faces light up. They gush about the Grade 8 student’s sense of humour, kind spirit and dedication to learning. Factor in the assortment of well-wishes the school complied for Laura through photos and inspirational banners one recent afternoon, it’s clear love for the young student oozes from every Pineland window, hallway and classroom.

The school has rallied around one of its own as Laura battles leukemia, an illness she was diagnosed with in the summer.

Laura is currently away from school for a few weeks as she battles her illness but her classmates have made sure she doesn’t do it alone. Over the past few months, Pineland has made and sold bracelets to support Laura, sent regular cards of support, dedicated its Terry Fox run to her, had a story appear in the Burlington Post about her fight, posted videos on YouTube and students have even written songs to encourage her.

In a huge show of support, in late November, virtually every student gathered in the school gym to take part in a celebration of Laura’s personality. Donning “Pineland Loves Laura” T-shirts, they happily posed for pictures, throwing their arms up and yelling at the top of their lungs – so loud she might have heard them – that they love Laura. They also gave a thumbs-up sign and made heart shapes out of their hands.

Laura’s sister, Heather, and close friends were so happy to be putting together such a special address for their sister and dear classmate. They are hopeful it will make a huge difference.

Grade 8 student Priti Gupta has known Laura since Grade 3 and enjoys studying with her.

“I hope it gives her courage and makes her feel people are thinking about her, that she’s not forgotten and gets the strength to fight this,” she said.

Teacher Lisa Pilgrim – who helped organize the November afternoon gathering – said it’s important for students that Laura knows the school supports her “and are waiting for her to come back” to Pineland.  

The school has made a point to use these acts of solidarity for Laura as a teaching tool. Compassion and empathy have been front and center as students do their best to make Laura feel she’s still part of the school.

“We’ve seen total outpouring” of support, said Pilgrim, adding kids naturally more reserved are stepping forward during their lunchtime to help support Laura.

Pineland Principal Mary Inkster said reaching out to Laura has been a “catalyst” for intermediate kids to take a leadership role through the Student Leadership Group. They have planned monthly series of assemblies centred on the school’s “gift of giving” theme, choosing to focus on building a positive school culture by inspiring kids to give to others. 

Under the leadership of Pineland’s safety and well-being team, the plan is to counter bullying and negative behaviours through building empathy and kindness in students.

Said Inkster: “All of these caring activities have brought our school together through a sense of community and have opened our kids' hearts to the idea of empathy – a theme we are continuing to explore through various school initiatives.”