Principal updates community on fundraising initiatives and recent donations
CHRISTINE HUDDER
Staff Reporter
COMBERMERE – There has been a lot happening at George Vanier Catholic School in Combermere lately.
For starters, the school received a brand-new learning mat from the churches of Holy Canadian Martyrs in Combermere and the St. Francis de Sales in Latchford Bridge.
The mat is actually a bright, comfortable rug that students use to sit in a circle to learn anything from the alphabet to numbers. It cost around $400, and is located in the French room. It is used by all students, including the older ones, who gather there for prayer and French lessons.
“The kids are excited about it,” Principal Melissa Carroll-Dubeau said.
She said there are similar mats located in other classrooms of the school.
Carroll-Dubeau noted that most recently, there were new cupboards that were installed in the Grade 1/ 2/ 3 classroom.
She also said this year the school is expecting to get a special treat; an outdoor classroom in the spring. This will enable virtually any classroom to be relocated to an outdoor environment.
Carroll-Dubeau said the classroom itself will be similar to a gazebo. Taking a class outside appeals to all learners, she added.
The principal said the library continues to thrive, thanks to the help of four dedicated community volunteers including Terri MacLeod, Carmel Rumleskie, Susan Yarskavitch, and Helen Parisien. They come to the school every Wednesday morning to organize the books, check out books, and read to the students.
“Since there is no librarian in the schools, we help out,” Rumleskie said. “We help the kids learn about authors and help them appreciate books.”
Asked why she does it, Helen Parisien said she just likes giving back.
“They need volunteers at the school,” Parisien said. “I can’t think of a better way to give back to the community.”
Story continues in the March 29, 2012 issue of The Valley Gazette.