THUNDER BAY — Students at Sherbrooke Public and St. Vincent schools should be getting some new technology in the coming weeks.
The two schools were the recipients of more than $6,200 in donations, split evenly between the two facilities, the result of an annual school supply drive put on by Staples and the local Kiwanis Club.
Eric Oster, principal at St. Vincent School, said the annual campaign, which targets smaller schools in the Thunder Bay District, is a great way for his students to get access to things they might not be able to given St. Vincent’s size and ability to fundraise outside the classroom.
“The impact this money will have on our school is tremendous. We have a bunch of different ideas of how we’d like to spend the money and invest it into our students,” Oster said. “Some of the ideas we’ve thrown around is bumping up some of our technology in our schools, increasing our playground equipment and also taking a look at some items to purchase.”
Steve Daniar, the acting principal at Sherbrooke Public School, said the technology aspect is a big part of what they’d like to do with their share.
It was a good day for students and teachers alike, he said.
“I think it’s part of the care that we see with this school and how the staff works with the students here. Also, it’s reflective of the community. We know we have certain needs, as all schools do, and this money will be spent very well to improve student achievement — and work with the community at the same time as well,” he said.
Students at his school also had plenty of ideas of what they money should be used for, and first and foremost they looked to their collective creative sides.
J.J. Echum, a Grade 8 student, said he’d like to see the money used for art supplies, adding there are lots of talented kids at Sherbrooke Public School, but not enough tools to create their work.
His idea was shared by at least two other fellow students, including Tahya Redsky.
“A lot of kids can’t get their own (art supplies) so I think it would be good for the school to hand art supplies out,” she said.
Lisa Thoms, general manager at the Thunder Bay Staples location, said she and her staff continue the program each year, in partnership with Kiwanis, as a way of giving back to their community. She added the campaign is successful because the recipients are known ahead of time and that provides a personal connection to many of their customers.
“When we can really speak to exactly where the funds are going, that it’s staying local and supporting schools in Thunder Bay, it speaks volume, really, to be able to get enough donations to make a worthwhile difference for these schools,” Thoms said.
