The School Community Council (SCC) of MacLeod Elementary School in Moosomin put together goody bags for children returning to school in September.
“Typically, we run fundraisers through out the school year to provide fun activities for the school and community to partake in. This year with no fundraisers to be held, we will not be able to offer the same programs,” says Leona Gerard, Chair of the SCC.
Returning to school this year is going to be very different from past and the hope is to help the children feel safe and supported.
“We usually do a Back-to-School Barbecue the weekend before school starts. It allows kids to meet their teachers and know where their classroom is and drop off school supplies, but we can’t do that this year because of COVID-19. I think it is very scary for the kids right now because there is not a whole lot of confirmation of how it is going to be and every time we seem to get something in place, it changes,” said Gerard.
The SCC brainstormed about what would be a good way to support the kids this year as they go back to class.
“They were throwing out suggestions about handing out cookies and popcorn, but we would have to make that out side of school, then the teachers would have to come get it and that is a lot of running around. So we came up with the idea of making goody bags with play doh or bubbles or note pads and then we can have them ready and teacher can pick them up before the kids are even there and then they are there to hand out,” said Alana Webb, Vice-Chairperson for the SCC.
One of the goals of this fundraiser is to build bonds between the community and the school.
“Whoever donates will be on a list and then we will send thank you notes out, and we will put a thank-you in the paper so that parents can know where the donations came from,” said Gerard.
Cash donations are always welcome, but people can donate in anyway they feel will help the children start their year right.
“Kim Setrum donated reusable water bottles. I love that idea because the water fountain is an issue because of COVID-19. Rolna Pranke donated $100 cash to go towards milk,” said Gerard.
The SCC usually makes money by hosting lunches and other activities, but due to the pandemic, they will be relying more on donations from people in the community than ever before.
The donations will go towards filling bags for over 300 kids. The donations can come in the form of school items for the kids, monetary donations of any size or even just a kind note to wish the kids best of luck in the school year.
“I will be taking donations till August 21 and then we have my house set up and the group of SCC members and some teachers will come together and (while social distancing outside) put the bags together and then get them to the school,” said Gerard.
This is an attempt to keep the community involved with the kids even in these uncertain times.
“It is scary for the parents and it is scary for the kids and if we can just give them something, it will be nice,” said Gerard.
