'Anything to help out:' Barrie mayor pops into several virtual classrooms
Starting the new year with a return to virtual learning has been tough for many teachers and students, which is why many public figures, like Barrie's mayor, are trying to brighten spirits.
Over the last few weeks, Mayor Jeff Lehman has visited students across Barrie in their virtual classrooms.
"The reality is because the teachers only had two days notice that they were going to go virtual, they weren't planning virtual lessons," Lehman told CTV News. "So I felt terrible for the teachers, and I thought this is maybe a small way that I could help them create some content and hopefully have a bit of fun."
Earlier this month, Lehman posted a proposal on social media to join classrooms "at the risk of overloading my sked - I always have time for this," he wrote. "Anything to help out right now."
Since then, the mayor said he and his office had been overwhelmed by requests.
Jamie Cable, a Grade 8 teacher at Codrington Public School, was among those who took the mayor up on his offer.
"I think what spoke to me the most was having a face on camera that wasn't my own for a little while," Cable said. "I thought it would be a breath of fresh air to get the mayor on here."
Lehman said he's popped into virtual classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 11.
Cable said he decided to surprise his students with the mayor's visit, which included a question and answer period.
"I think for the most part it gave them an opportunity to connect to a human as opposed to just the name Mayor Jeff Lehman," Cable said. "He gave them the opportunity to contact him through his one of many inboxes to share any ideas or suggestions that they might have to how we can improve our city."
The mayor said he was impressed with the questions, with youngsters wanting to hear his thoughts on hot topics, including COVID-19 and homelessness.
But, there were also more personal questions.
"What's my favourite food? A lot of classes asked that! What's your favourite food? What's your favourite restaurant? And I always have to answer that and say I'm not allowed to have favourites, but here's some that I go to," Lehman chuckled.
The Barrie mayor isn't the only one taking part. Other Ontario mayors, including Guelph's Cam Guthrie and Ottawa's Jim Watson, have also participated.
Lehman said interacting with children is always a highlight.
"Aside from it's always great talking to kids, you get to talk about your city, and you get to talk about why you do the job and why it's important to me. And it helps remind me. It gives me more energy for all the rest of the stuff that we're trying to deal with these days."
Unfortunately, the mayor couldn't meet every request but said he's looking forward to resuming in-person visits in the coming months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.