In the Media

NEWS RELEASE
ST. JEAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  - HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

FOR RELEASE JANUARY 19, 2012

Volunteers to build a new community playground at St. Jean's Elementary School

Erin Hennessey, co-chair of the St. Jean's Home and School Association, is announcing today the award of matching funding for the purchase of new playground equipment for the school.  The Helping Hand Award by Let Them Be Kids is one of only a few awards given nationally each year.

Let Them Be Kids is a charitable world-wide program which acts as a catalyst to build community capacity while building playgrounds in areas of need.  The students will have a playground which is safe, stimulating, fun and lead to their physical, cognitive and social development. Engaging the students and community in the design, fundraising and build of the playground will develop leadership and create a sense of pride and ownership.

The announcement of the award and commencement of the project is being made at 1pm Thursday January 19th at a school assembly involving students, parents and neighbours of the school.  Let Them Be Kids will be represented  via video by Ian Hill, Chairman of the Foundation. An exciting moment for the students and a proud time for the school is expected.

Design of the playground structure will begin February 2nd with a school assembly of "Dot-mocracy".  The students will each have three dots to place on their favourite playground slides or climbing elements.
The Rotary Club Of Charlottetown Royalty is partnering with the St. Jean's Home and School Association with particular help in fundraising for the planned expenditure of up to $100,000.

A major fundraising event is planned for the Delta Prince Edward March 29th.  It will feature live entertainment, food, informative displays and both live and silent auctions. The theme is a celebration of the accomplishments of the people who've passed through this school since the doors opened more than 40 years ago.  To this end, they are currently compiling a list of St. Jean alumni and trying to initiate contact with them. It is hoped that as many former students from the school as possible attend this event.

Committee members are hopeful that downtown businesses will also want to partner in the successful completion of the project.

A major build day, like a barn raising, is planned for May 26th when school staff, students, parents, Rotarians,  alumni and neighbourhood volunteers will erect the playground under the supervision of Let Them Be Kids.  It is to be a party of celebration for the students and neighbours.

Progress of the project can be followed on its website http://www.stjean.ltbk.ca/   Here, alumni can register, donations made and volunteers can indicate willingness to help.

For more information, please contact:
    Erin Hennessey, Home and School Co-Chair at elhennessey@hotmail.com;
    Debi Mais, Principal, St. Jean Elementary at dsmais@edu.pe.ca
    Debbie Phillips, Royalty Rotary Co-Chair at debbie.phillips24@gmail.com
    Let Them Be Kids 1-416-405-9494
    St Jean School (902) 368-6985

Project Details

Build Day - May 26, 2012
Dotmocracy Day - February 2, 2012
Announcement Day - January 19, 2012, 1pm