The Sens in School program visited Scared Heart Catholic School in Batawa Tuesday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony and whole school event, to formally acknowledge and celebrate the opening of their new gazebo.
The more than $10,000 project was funded primarily by students and their families through a variety of initiatives led by the schools’ parent council.
“The new outdoor learning structure supports the culture of our schools’ healthy, outdoor lifestyle and is reflective of the incredible things happening in this small community with a big heart,” said Joanne DeSantis, School Principal. “We worked hard as a community to make this happen for our students, and it has completely paid off!” she said.
L-R Belly (team mascot), Angus Crookshank (right wing), Belleville Sens, Corrie Wessels, Parent Council Treasurer, and Joanne DeSantis, School Principal, celebrate the opening of the new Gazebo at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Batawa Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The outdoor learning space, which is already being used by students, is just one of the many upgrades the school site has undergone as a direct result of school community led initiatives.
“Monies raised through Tuck Shop sales, the Memory Lane Candy Shop, Movie Nights, Bake Sales, school BBQs, and the Hot Lunch Program have helped us to finance upgrades to the school’s gymnasium and stage, even outfitting the space with an electronic score board and projection screen,” said DeSantis.
Belleville Sens, Team Mascot Belly join grade 7 & 8 students for a game of Volleyball.
Primary and intermediate students join Angus Crookshank and Belly for a Q&A.
A big thanks to all the families, students, volunteers, and community partners who supported this fundraising initiative. A special thank you to The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board’s Plant & Planning Department, Ruttle Brothers Furniture, the Fitzgibbon Construction Ltd. excavation team, and Quinte West Fire Station 1.
