March 11, 2009

Ground-breaking News: Glenmore Elementary Receives Garden Funding

KELOWNA, BC: After a year of planning and grant writing fueled by the determination of students, parents and teacher Natalie Perrier, Glenmore Elementary School will receive a YES 2 IT grant of $5,000 on Wednesday, March 11.  The school has also received donations from community members and businesses including Club Penguin, which has generously agreed to contribute approximately $10,000.  As soon as the ground thaws, construction and site set-up will begin followed by a number of special events.

A local carpenter will join Grade 6 students in constructing benches, a picnic table and fencing.  With all that physical exertion, the workers will need refueling and a local chef will be on site to serve healthy gourmet snacks.  A horticulturist will also visit to share information about xeriscaping, companion planting, pest control and more. The involvement of the chef and horticulturist are requirements of the YES 2 IT grant.

In preparation for the Fat Cat Festival, Perrier has invited a local artist to join students in adding colourful drawings to the garden and create signs in mid-April.  Soon afterwards, the first seeds can be sown.

“By May, the students should be having a great time planting flowers, vegetables, native plants and a miniature Japanese garden,” says Perrier.  “Some nearby nurseries have agreed to donate some plants and we are very greatful for their support.”

In June, participants in the Glenmore Garden project will take part in the Fat Cat Festival.  “We plan to have a display including painted signs, vegetables, flowers, music and more to teach the community about food sustainability and our vision of a better world.”

Principal John McMahon is also enthusiastic about this opportunity for learning about ecology and sustainability. “The environmental issues facing us today can leave children feeling overwhelmed.  I hope that this project will be a way for them to feel empowered to affect change in the backyard, our lives and the world.”

Approved by the Superintendent on March 11, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Natalie Perrier, Teacher, Glenmore Elementary School, (250) 762-3209

John McMahon, Principal, Glenmore Elementary School, (250) 762-3209

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.