Celebration unveils final phase of playground equipment fundraiser at QE school

Primary students at Queen Elizabeth Public School in Picton were used to entertaining themselves with rocks and sand in their play area. But last week, a “thank you celebration” saw the official unveiling of a new playground for students that combines imagination with physical play.
The Playground Committee dreams of school council parents Sarah Manlow, Amy Steen, Julia Sweedak, Tim Johnson, and Lisa Williams were unveiled thanks to the community, parents, students and staff who raised more than $60,000.
The school received the new playground equipment in December 2011 as the final phase in the “Breaking Ground Project” which started back in 2006.  Wooden equipment was removed in August 2008 as it failed to meet newly revised safety standards.
“There are several members in the community that deserve recognition and applause for all their hard work and dedication to this project” said Sarah Manlow, School Council Chair.  “It’s great to see the students’ imaginations at play with this equipment.”

“It is a huge amount of work and time that the School Council has put in to have this project completed,” said Bill Launderville, principal.  “Without their work and the contributions from our parents and  major contributors, this type of playground enhancement would not be possible.”

“I have to say, that raising the funds was the easiest part,” said Manlow. “The hardest part was deciding what type of playground equipment we wanted.  Dozens of plans were drawn up over the year and students, teachers, parents were all consulted.

“Principal Launderville and Vice-Principal, Mrs. Myderwyk last summer put this playground at the top of their priority list.  All the time and hard work involved was all worth it. It is so great to see how much these students from kindergarden to Grade 3 enjoy this new playground.”

Cards of thanks were hand-made by Miss. Tubbs Grade 1/2 class and were presented to: Ursula Williams & Family –  $500 donation; Metro- Fuel for Kids BBQ – $1486.75; Kinsmen Club – $200; Elks – $1000; Mrs. Pat Johnson (Lead Custodian) organized a 50s Rock and Roll Concert that raised. $2028.