Each year, during the second week of September, Canadians recognize Mennonite Heritage Week, an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Mennonite communities across the country. Established by the Parliament of Canada in 2019, Mennonite Heritage Week highlights the resilience, diversity, cultural heritage, and longstanding contributions of Mennonites to Canadian society.
As part of Mennonite Heritage Week, the Lambton Kent District School Board is proud to spotlight Helen Fast, our Mennonite Student Re-engagement Support Worker, whose work helps Low-German Mennonite students and families feel welcomed, supported, and connected as they pursue their educational goals.
Based primarily at Tilbury District High School's ACCESS Program, Helen is often the first point of contact for families exploring educational opportunities for their children. Through language, cultural understanding, and relationship-building, she helps bridge connections between home and school.
For Helen, this work is deeply personal.
Growing up in a Mennonite home, she understands firsthand the challenges some students face when balancing education and family responsibilities. As a young person, seasonal work often took priority, and she eventually left school to work full-time. Those experiences have shaped her passion for supporting students today.
"I am a big advocate for education," Helen shares."It's rewarding to help students who may not have had an opportunity outside of the ACCESS program work toward their diploma."
One of the aspects Helen values most is the opportunity to build trust with students and families. For some parents, speaking with someone who understands their language, culture, and experiences helps create a sense of comfort and connection. She describes her role as becoming part of a family's "village," helping students stay confident, persevere through challenges, and ultimately reach graduation.
Throughout her work, Helen has seen how meaningful it is when schools recognize and respect the cultures represented within their communities.
"Belonging means having a voice and being heard," she says." Our schools are working to be sensitive to cultures within and do a great job recognizing those differences."
For LKDSB, Mennonite Heritage Week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and where cultural identities are recognized, respected, and valued. It is also a chance to learn about the diversity that exists within Mennonite communities themselves.
Helen notes that even within the Low-German Mennonite population, experiences, customs, and traditions can vary greatly. Her perspective serves as an important reminder that meaningful inclusion begins with listening, avoiding assumptions, and taking the time to learn from one another's experiences.
Reflecting on her own journey, Helen recalls a time when she felt uncertain about sharing aspects of her culture. It was only later, through conversations with people who expressed genuine curiosity and appreciation for learning about different traditions, that she recognized the value of openly sharing those experiences. Today, she hopes increased awareness and understanding will help students feel proud of who they are and where they come from.
Helen is quick to recognize that supporting students is always a collective effort. She credits the staff and leadership at TDHS, past and present, as well as the families who continue to share positive experiences about the ACCESS Program within the community. Their collaboration and commitment have helped create opportunities for students to thrive.
As we recognize Mennonite Heritage Week, we thank Helen for her dedication, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to ensuring students and families feel seen, heard, and valued. Her work is a powerful reminder that belonging begins with relationships, respect, and a willingness to learn from one another.
Happy Mennonite Heritage Week from LKDSB!