'They showed everyone belongs': Students' surprise holiday cards deliver more than seasonal cheer
For the kids at Oriole Park Junior Public School, it was a holiday mystery that arrived in the mail.
"Usually my parents get all the mail," Grade 2 student Penelope Batal told CTV News Toronto. "So, I've never got a mail addressed to me."
That all changed when she, and every other student at the school, found an envelope sent to their homes, containing a handmade holiday card.
"When I opened it, I thought wow this is amazing," said Grade 5 student Sam Ford. "People put like time and hard work into this ..and I just saw beautiful art–I'm like this belongs in a museum."
The cards had clearly come from the school, but no one knew who made them, or who sent them.
"When I opened it, it just didn't say any name," said student Mia Kopoivica. "So, I was a bit confused."
"Whoever sent this either they're probably shy, or they just forgot," said Simona Bandiera.
It was a purposely unsigned surprise that's had the kids talking ever since.
"They were like 'Oh my god, I got a card, did you get one too?’" said Grade 3 student Avery Gao with a laugh.
"It's been hard," admitted Amaya Gonsalves Haines. "People have been asking us, ‘Who did this? Who did this? Do you know?’"
They both do, because they're two of five Grade 3 students behind this act of holiday kindness.
The group of girls came up with the idea and took it to two teachers.
"The kids were so motivated, so dedicated," teacher Entela Galanxhi told CTV News Toronto. "They were so happy during this process and the joy at the end when they were ready!"
The students worked on the cards during their off hours, and during recess and lunch breaks. In the end, they made more than 300 cards. Canada Post donated the postage, and the kids made sure that every single student got a card sent to them through the mail.
"We wanted to make it for everyone," said Sajna Samra one of the card-makers. "So that everyone can be special."
They also made sure their teachers were included too.
"Staff got these as well," said principal Neil Quimby. "Staff were also excited when they got mail that wasn't a bill. That it was something that kids had created because they wanted to – not because they were told – it was because they wanted to, and they wanted everyone to feel connected."
Student Mehrasa Bakhshi said she and the other card makers kept their names off of the cards on purpose.
"Because this is like something that is not about us, it's about others," she said.
Teacher Carolyn Voight agreed, telling CTV News Toronto, "They didn't make it about themselves. They bought into the selfless act of this holiday moment."
For many of the kids who got an envelope in the mail, there was more to the card than just a piece of paper.
"Whoever made this worked really hard on it, and now they have a new friend they don’t even know," said Grade 2 student Abby Seguin.
Her classmate Madison Shan agreed, saying "I felt really supported, that people cared about me."
What started as a simple card, turned into a gift for students that will last through the holidays and beyond.
"I just felt like very happy that the students here care about everybody in the school," said student Coltrane Lavalley. "And they showed that everyone belongs."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
People in Gaza are 'wasting' from famine: World Food Programme director
World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain says people living in Gaza are 'wasting' as famine concerns continue amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
WATCH Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage
New inflation data is 'welcome news' for consumers and an economist says it could signal the possibility for a interest rate cut as several core measures also continue to ease.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus is facing fresh Conservative-led calls to resign, this time over "very partisan" and 'inflammatory' language used – the Liberals say mistakenly – to promote an upcoming event.
'Mr. Trump doesn't worry us', says Canadian ambassador
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues the 'Team Canada' charm offensive to U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, Canada's ambassador to the United States downplayed the effect of another Trump presidency on Canada.