New Playground for Pinecrest Elementary - Volunteers Needed

On Tuesday, October 10 we broke ground on the Pinecrest playground project! Safety fencing has gone up, measurements were taken, the ground was marked, and Barry and Vale have begun excavation.

But first, on Friday, October 6 the whole school gathered around the perimeter of the new playground to learn about how everyone in the school community had a part in planning the project and how they all had their voices heard in consideration of the playground placement and equipment selection. The school's Indigenous youth care worker then led students and staff in a ceremonial thanking to Mother Earth and the drumming and singing of the Ojibwa Honour Song.

Pinecrest Elementary received $195,000 in funding towards the new playground through the Ministry of Education and Child Care's Playground Equipment Program (PEP). School districts apply for PEP funding from the ministry each year and playgrounds are funded based on the greatest need with priority given to schools where there is no playground at all or where the existing playground is deteriorating based on age.

The community build gets underway this weekend, Saturday, October 14, and volunteers are needed. If you are a Pinecrest alumni interested in lending a hand on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, please contact the Pinecrest school office at (250) 287.8805 for more information.