Friendly Manitoba, indeed!
Local students are extending a hand in friendship through a creative project that will forge connections between Stonewall and the nation’s capital.
Recreation facilitator Laine Wilson will be heading to Ottawa in November to represent Manitoba as a board member with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. Along with a small group, she’ll travel to Parliament Hill to convey messages about the importance of parks and recreation to Canadians.
While she’s there, she’ll also hand out about 30 colourful and creative friendship bracelets made by Ecole R.W. Bobby Bend students.
Grade 2/3 teacher Danielle Marceca said she’s grateful her class is part of this interprovincial project.
“They are very excited to showcase their creativity,” she said. “Students were happy to know that their designs would be shared and celebrated.”
At the same time, the initiative incorporates an educational component.
“Identifying Canadian symbols and what it means to be a part of a community ties directly into the social studies curriculum,” she said.
“This topic has opened more in-depth discussion amongst our class.”
The class also discussed Indigenous perspectives after Orange Shirt Day, and Marceca said it was great to see how many students chose to incorporate words and themes they learned from those lessons.
“Having the kids take part in this activity allows them to form real-world connections to the things they are learning about. I’ve watched them take pride explaining their designs and seeing them come to life,” she said.
“Making the bracelets with the materials Laine provided has also been a great fine motor activity.”
As for the students, they shared positive responses to the project.
“I like that the bracelets are different because being different is special,” said one wise student.
Tribune Photo by Lana Meier
Another student felt special for being involved in the project, while a classmate said the best part was the design process.
Adding another local component is teacher Taylor Sholdice’s Grade 5 class at Ecole Stonewall Centennial School, who will design the suit that Wilson will wear when she visits Parliament Hill.
The purpose of these gestures is to foster connection and community. Although Wilson is not sure yet who she will give the bracelets to, she’s certain it will be the highlight of her trip to share these heartfelt handmade treasures.
“Our communities are full of brilliant, wonderful people and I want to make that impression on the Hill,” she said.
“I am so grateful for our communities and the relationships we have within them, specifically our schools. The schools and our youth are important future leaders — and I am always blown away with the impact they have inside and outside of the systems.”
