The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) recently made a $3,500 donation to Immaculate Conception School, Formosa, in support of their goal to build an outdoor playground and gaga ball pit.
Immaculate Conception School is one of the largest elementary schools in the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board, and has “been fortunate to see increased enrollment over the past few years, with more than two kindergarten classes since at least 2017,” says Heather van Straten, Co-Secretary of the school’s Parent Council.
Approximately 325 students attend the school, and the French Immersion program draws students from a variety of rural communities including Formosa, Mildmay, Teeswater, Belmore and beyond.
“The new playground and ball pit will provide an opportunity for students to run, play and prepare their brains and bodies for learning,” says van Straten. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our many sponsors, including the NWMO.”
Immaculate Conception School Parent Council made fundraising for the play area their primary goal for the 2019/2020 school year and has had great success in their fundraising efforts. Parent Council hosted a successful Colour Run in September of 2019, which engaged both the school and local surrounding community. While the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant new challenges for other fundraising efforts, the ICS Parent Council is committed to raising funds to provide new play areas for their students.
“As part of our commitment to enhancing community well-being, we are excited to provide support to our local schools,” says Cherie Leslie, Senior Engagement Advisor at the NWMO.
The new playground and ball pit will benefit hundreds of local youth and enhance the outdoor amenities for both the school and local community, as it will be accessible to the public outside of school hours.