LAMPMAN — Twenty-five years ago, Lampman School closed a time capsule, and its contents were opened in a ceremony at the school's gymnasium in late June.
Going back in time, it was the year 2000 and the teachers wanted to do something special.
They first wanted to build a gazebo on the school yard, and through hard work and dedication it happened. The gazebo still stands tall and proud on the southeast side of the school.
The trees planted when the gazebo was built did not survive. A large rock with "2000" etched on it was placed by the structure. Large flagstones formed a distinctive entrance to the gazebo.
A special guest in the crowd was kindergarten, taught by Cherilyn Gress. Derrick Pouliot happened to be in the area with his wife Amanda and their two sons Landon and Lane, so they joined the celebration.
Pouliot plays for the Syracuse Crunch – the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2012 and was part of the team when they won the Stanley Cup in 2016.
In 2000, each classroom filled a decorative Pringles tin and filled them with personal items. When the tins were opened 25 years later, they contained pictures, growth charts and favourite toys, while the older kids added more detailed messages.
Letters contained what they might be doing in 2025, what kind of job they might have and where they would be living.
Inside was also a Sears catalogue, a Regina Leader-Post paper and a copy of the Carlyle Observer.
A touching moment was when they came across a letter from Blaine Bangsund. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in kindergarten, Blaine was in Grade 3 when his letter and that of his friend Brendan Fornwald were placed in the tin. Blaine later passed away at the age of twenty-two.
The teachers from 2000 gave their tin of coins to the next group for a time capsule to be opened in 2050.
Before the event concluded, Julie Greening from the school community council addressed the crowd with an announcement. They had received a $50,000 donation from Kingston Midstream, and Tundra Oil and Gas matched this donation with another $50,000 donation for improvements to the school grounds.
The playground revitalization committee has envisioned a better playground for the school, which will include but is not limited to a multisport court for tennis and pickleball.
The facility will feature designated areas for creativity, including a shaded section with multiple trees, as well as a walking track.
They also hope to have an outdoor learning space and room for baseball.
All individuals were allowed to examine the contents of the time capsule.
At the conclusion of the program, refreshments were provided.
