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Brockville, On
–
Students in Mrs. Adam’s Grade 1 class celebrated the
completion of an Earth Day project with an important
addition to the St. John Bosco Catholic School yard.
A large tree, purchased with proceeds form
the Environmental Club’s various fundraisers, has been planted
in the schoolyard.
Superintendent of Education Paul Lattanzio
offered praise for the initiative identifying that, “It is
always a source of joy and gratification when students take to
heart and act upon foundational beliefs. We are called to be
stewards of the earth, and certainly these children, in their
special way, are demonstrating this. As we journey together in
faith, and pursue our mission of Transforming the World,
all steps, no matter how small, are important. The planting of
this very special tree by these students will have a wonderful
and rippling effect on the entire St. John Bosco community for
many, many years to come. It will serve as a clear, visible
statement to all of their commitment to maintaining God’s gift
of nature.”
Mrs. Adam
said that a great deal of thought was given to the selection
of the tree. “We specifically wanted to plant a mature tree in
the hope that it would be strong enough to withstand the
environmental and societal strains that other trees in the
area have succumbed to. I think it’s wonderful that our
students will be able to come back to this spot and see how
something directly affected by their efforts continues to grow
and flourish.”
Inspiring Students
The committed Grade 1 class
inspired the entire St. John Bosco student population to
collect pop cans to be recycled in exchange for money. A total
of four truckloads of cans were amassed and transported to
Zigman Metal Recycle Depot, earning a significant portion
of the funds to offset the tree planting expenses.
Thanks to a generous donation
of bottled water from Brett’s Valu-Mart, proceeds from
water sales generated more “green” for this greening project.
As well, the family of one student donated a large gift basket
filled with goodies that was raffled off, resulting in another
noteworthy contribution to the cause. The addition of many
independent donations to the coffers brought the total funds
raised to $941.75, covering all expenses involved in the tree
planting.
St. John Bosco Principal Sylvia Shackles
stated that she is proud that the effort stretched beyond the
school. “Our students have a lot to be proud of. The tree
planting is the result of the broader community working
together. Seeing that the teachings of God through Catholic
education extend beyond the walls of the school to those in
our community is what we hope for.”
The Catholic District School
Board of Eastern Ontario operates 40 elementary and 10
secondary schools across 8 counties. The CDSBEO offers
excellence in Catholic education through provincial-leading
programs to approximately 15,000 students. |
