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Students volunteer by bringing plant life to local centre

May 25, 2018 | 4:45 PM

Some Grade 1 students from St. Mary’s School turned their thumbs green and learned the value of volunteering today.

Cindy Kovalsky’s class from the school took a walk over to the Battle River Treaty Six Health Centre today after lunch to plant some flowers and shrubs in pots at the doors of the office building.

Kovalsky said the inspiration came from wanting her students to learn about the importance of volunteerism from a young age.

“One of the goals at our school is to get out into the community and show that we care,” she said. “This idea came out to beautify North Battleford and help out and make connections.”

Battle River Treaty Six Health Centre offers a wide range of family support programs for Indigenous people including immunization, environmental health, and home care nursing.

In addition to getting to know the organization and city in a meanginful way, today’s project also helped the students with their science curriculum. At the school, they’ve been learning basic horticulture skills and community involvement.

“It’s worked out perfect, it’s kind of covered all bases for them,” Kovalsky said.

Patricia Whitecalf Ironstand, executive director of the centre said it was a positive occasion for both partners.

“It was a great opportunity to have the young students from St. Mary’s School interact with our staff, who are ambassadors and great role models in giving back to the communities we serve,” Whitecalf Ironstand said. “It’s important to help the community with hands-on work, instilling volunteerism.”

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath