From left, School Community Council member Karen Fehr, Student Advisory Council (SAC) member Beatrix Smith, SAC Co-President Sarah Ferris, Lakeside Process Controls Account Manager Neal Tanaka, SAC Co-President Hillary Bromfield, SAC member Kaylie Walsh, Saugeen District Senior School Principal Melissa McEwen.
Hub Staff
The Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) is home to 827 students with approximately a quarter of their enrolment being represented by the newly relocated Grades 7 and 8 students. As part of the transition to accommodate the incoming elementary classes, the School Community Council (SCC) has organized fundraising for a new playscape to be built on school grounds.
SCC member Karen Fehr has spearheaded a number of fundraising efforts including a very successful reusable grocery/produce bags sale through Rowland’s Independent, Southampton Foodland and the Plex in Port Elgin. The group has also reached out to local businesses for donations to their Playscape Project. Lakeside Process Controls in Port Elgin answered the call and Account Manager Neal Tanaka visited SDSS on January 9 to present a donation of $500 to members of the SDSS Grade 7 and 8 Student Advisory Council. Tanaka was very excited to be able to contribute to the local community.
“It’s always nice when it’s something very tangible,” commented Tanaka.
"Kids will be able to use it for years to come,” added Fehr.
Fehr explained that the former elementary school students will have an active role in choosing what to include in their future outdoor activity area. Some of the current top choices include a basketball net, a swing set and seating area. Fehr expressed frustration with the inflated costs that result from purchasing equipment that meets the requirements for school yard structures. “A simple basketball net can cost up to $6,000,” reported Fehr.
The fundraising efforts continue with the upcoming Lakeshore Recreation Centre ‘Trivia Nights’ which will see 50 percent of the proceeds donated to the project and the Southport Horticultural Society has committed to purchasing a bench.
