Media Release
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 19, 2017
Central Middle debuts new schoolyard additions in celebration of National Aboriginal Day
VICTORIA, BC – Central Middle school is revealing the latest improvements to its school grounds, which includes a new pathway and four cedar benches with Aboriginal designs. The project was made possible through a collaboration of community partners and will be blessed by an elder and celebrated with a student assembly on National Aboriginal Day.
The new brick-lined pathway being recognized as “The Lane” will now connect the playground to the basketball courts and field, making the amenities accessible to all. The $47,500 project comes after generous donations from the Kiwanis Club of Victoria, the Rotary Club of Victoria-Harbourside and the City of Victoria. Through the community efforts and the connection of park space, “The Lane” represents unity and inclusiveness.
The new cedar benches will create a new gathering space for students. The Spirit of Alliances Outdoor Learning Space is composed of four cedar benches each carved with one of the four Spirit Animals (Wolf, Salmon, Raven, Bear). It was gifted to the district through the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement. The benches were made possible through funding from the Rotary Club of Victoria-Harbourside, City of Victoria and Vancity.
The students will celebrate the transformed space with drumming and singing in concert with a blessing ritual by Elder Elmer George. Students will also debut their student-made video on Truth and Reconciliation in honour of National Aboriginal Day.
When:
Wednesday, June 21, 2017, from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – Student Assembly
9:10 a.m. – Student Video on Truth and Reconciliation presentation
9:30 a.m. – Reveal of “The Lane” followed by a blessing from Elder Elmer George
9:45 a.m. – Reveal of the cedar benches.
Where:
Central Middle School
“The Lane” is located near the outdoor basketball courts.
*Media are encouraged to park on Yates Street.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kathie Cross
Youth and Family Counsellor
Central Middle School
250.386.3591
Christopher Macintosh
Principal
Central Middle School
250.386-3591