The beginnings of the cheque presentation that happened at Schell School this morning began last spring when Mrs. Thorson and I met with our SCC to begin discussions of what they could help us fundraise for that would be of a great benefit to our staff, students, and community. Through these discussions, we proposed a Track and Baseball Diamond project as well as an Outdoor Learning Commons. We consulted with Horizon School Division personnel to receive approval for the project to be built on their property. We discussed the project with our Village’s Mayor Ian McLellan to make sure the village was in support of this project as well as it would be accessible and beneficial to all Holdfast and surrounding area community members. Then as a staff in consultation with our SCC, we brainstormed and drafted a formal proposal and budget for this large scale project. Our goals were to create opportunities for Truth and Reconciliation, Land Based Learning, Indigenous & Metis Education; to create an area to support agriculture and food sustainability and discuss environmental conservatism, to engage students and community members in S.T.E.A.M. activities, to develop a space to build relationships and increase community engagement, and to promote health and wellness of our students and community members. The track, long and triple jump pits, and throwing areas for shot put, discus and javelin, will provide a place for our cross country and track and field athletes to train safely and in a way that will help them develop their skills. Currently, as you all know it is very uneven, full of weeds, and doesn’t allow our students the same opportunities and advantages other schools and students have. In addition, Miss. Farrell can use this area for her physical education classes and our K-6 students will also have a track that will help them for their Play Day activities. The community itself will have a safe running, walking, and socializing area, can utilize the ball diamond for their annual sports day, and can engage with our students throughout the regular use of this space.
To begin fundraising for this worthwhile project, the Schell School Fundraising Committee held the annual Little Caesar’s Pizza Fundraiser and as an SCC and School Community we began looking for grants to help bring this project to fruition as the cost would be significantly more than our little school budget could accommodate. This is where Liberty and Moose Jaw Co-operatives came into our project plan. In February of 2023, our SCC learned that there was an opportunity for us to apply to the Moose Jaw Co-op Community Support Program for sponsorship of the Schell School Track and Baseball Diamonds Project. We applied for a significant amount of funding for our project and as such our proposal was reviewed by the Board of Directors Member Relationship Committee before being considered for approval under their Caring for the Community Fund. On March 30, 2023, the Moose Jaw Co-op Board of Directors approved a commitment of $75,000 to our project. They recognize the vital and worthwhile role performed by our School Community Council and our school to Holdfast and surrounding communities and they take pride in being able to give back and provide opportunities for communities in their trading area to succeed and grow. As an organization, they put people first which they have done with all of us, and will better our community and the well being of their customers, employees and neighbors through their contribution to this project.
On behalf of Horizon School Division, the Village of Holdfast, and Schell School students and staff, we would like to thank the Moose Jaw Co-operatives Association and our local Liberty Co-op for their generous $75,000 contribution to our Track and Baseball diamond program!