Students of Sunnybrae Public School marked the creation of the new sidewalk in the school community with a ‘Chalk it Up to Perseverance’ celebration on September 27th.
The school also took the opportunity to formally say farewell and thank you to former Principal, Mr. Tom Dorsey, as the news of his transfer to Hyde Park Public School did not come until after the summer break began, said Sunnybrae’s current Principal Cory McKeown.
“The event recognized the hard work and perseverance by many in our community to make sidewalks for our students a reality,” said McKeown. “Thanks to their efforts, our children are now safer as they travel to and from school and during weekends and evenings. These people include John Mckee, last year’s School Council Chair and all the other members of council, Len Dunkley, the former VP, the Town of Innisfil, the Mayor, Barb Baguley and Doug Lougheed, Councillor for Ward 1. I am sure there are many more parents, volunteers and community members who played a part in this and we offer our thanks to them as well.”
Prior to the 27th, staff and students wrote letters, cards and notes for Mr. Dorsey and to the Town of Innisfil, McKeown told The Scope.
“Chalking it Up to Perseverance” students at Sunnybrae planned what they would write in their section of sidewalk, with each class choosing its own theme. The experience was worked into the literacy and art curriculum.
Families of students at Sunnybrae have been waiting for the installation of sidewalks for 20 years.
The students’ drawings may wash away in the rain but their message won’t – Sunnybrae students deserve to be safe at school, even on their walk in, and they are grateful for the parents, teachers and principals who have helped them along the very path itself.
By Wendy Soloduik
