It’s been a long time coming but students at Britt Public School are now enjoying a brand-new playground structure thanks to support from community partners.
The small rural Kindergarten to Grade 8 school located near the shores of the Magnetawan River has a high population of students from Henvey Inlet First Nation and Magnetawan First Nation and has been without a playground since 2012 when the old structure was removed.
Through the generous support of community partners Henvey Inlet First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation and Hydro One, a plan was developed in 2018 to build a new playground featuring climbing structures, slides and interactive play areas.
Britt Public School Vice-Principal Marlene Michaelis says staff, students and families are all truly grateful for the support. “These three partners funded the entire playground. We appreciate the ongoing support for all of our students.”
Michaelis says Henvey Inlet First Nation applied for funding through Hydro One’s community investment program focused on Building Safe Communities.
“We are proud to be a partner in building a new playground at Britt Public School, which will now offer students a new safe play space where they can create connections with each other and build resiliency,” said Jay Armitage, vice-president, marketing and communications with Hydro One. “Hydro One feels a deep responsibility to be present and support the local communities and organizations who are working tirelessly to energize life which is why we have designated 20 per cent of our corporate donations and sponsorships towards projects in Indigenous communities.”
Michaelis says the students have enjoyed the new playground immensely. “They are developing strong social skills as they learn to take turns and share the equipment.
We are seeing smiles and hearing laughter as they play together and develop their gross motor skills,” said Michaelis.
Michaelis says as a staff, they are seeing students engaging with one another in a lighthearted and positive way and seeing the joy as the students use the slides, climbers and towers. “They are helping one another and building friendships as they explore the equipment.”
“The sense of community has been strengthened at Britt Public School as we all come together to share in the joy that our students bring. Miigwetch,” said Michaelis.