Laine Wilson will be all decked out in local fashion designs with a Canadian theme during an upcoming trip to Ottawa.
Wilson, director of community relations for the RM of Rockwood, will be travelling to the nation’s capital in the fall with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. Each year, representatives from the organization visit Parliament Hill to meet with members of the federal government.
During her day on the hill, Wilson will don a customized coat decorated by the talented local youth. Stony Mountain School’s Grade 5 and 6 students are designing the eye-catching attire with a thought-provoking theme: “What makes Canada strong?”
“The theme is significant because it highlights the importance of unity and strength as a nation, specifically in our parks and recreation sector,” Wilson said.
“Canada is strong, and there’s no better way to showcase that strength than through the creations of our future leaders.”
The classes of Stony Mountain teachers Chelsea Dutkiewich and Jodie Stewart have already embarked on their artistic endeavour, which remains a work in progress.
Dutkiewich explained that they tackled the task by breaking into groups of researchers, designers and painters.
“The researchers searched for ideas and typed them into a shared Google doc that was projected onto the whiteboard. The designers used those ideas and turned them into illustrations. The painters traced and painted the designers’ work onto the jacket,” she explained.
“Some students signed up for multiple jobs — it was up to them how they wanted to contribute and what they were comfortable with. Everyone worked together seamlessly.”
The students are very excited about this project and are proud of the work they are doing, Dutkiewich added.
“They have connected deeply with the process and it has sparked many conversations about what we have been learning in class, such as the history of the fur trade, the Canadian government and what it means to be a Canadian citizen. They have been able to take what they’ve been learning in class and apply it in a way that is meaningful and important to them,” she said.
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“The students have shown a sense of pride throughout this project, both for the careful work they are doing and also for being a Canadian. This has been an opportunity to celebrate what it means be Canadian and has encouraged students to consider the importance of being an actively engaged citizen.”
The creative coat also creates connections with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, which champions the vital contribution the recreation and parks sector makes towards creating healthy, vibrant and resilient communities across Canada.
Martin Sampson, CEO of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, points to the organization’s strategic outlook, which outlines its foundations that are rooted in the Framework for Recreation in Canada. These strategic actions are organized under three overarching areas of strategic focus: sector collaboration and leadership, support and development, and advocacy and influence.
“We envision a future where vibrant public spaces, parks, programs and services thrive, enrich every community and enhance the wellbeing of all who live in Canada,” Sampson said.
As for Wilson, she is impressed with the students’ progress and is looking forward to seeing the end results.
“The students’ work is amazing,” she said. “I cannot wait to wear this coat and show the kids how important their work is to the entire country.”
