The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Ecole McIsaac School students are enjoying a bigger play area. Phase one of the McIsaac Parent Council's playground upgrade project is complete. Two new swing sets (totaling 16 swings), new picnic tables and a few goalie nets have been installed, and new soccer and basketballs to be used during recess and lunchtime have been purchased. The first of a three-phase playground upgrade was completed last month. The parent council still needs to raise more money to complete the second phase. Council chair Michelle Winton hopes to see the project start in the spring months. The council raised roughly $15,000 for the first phase and will need in the ballpark of $50,000 for the second phase. Winton hopes to fundraise for a larger climbing structure for the second phase. Currently, McIsaac houses more than 400 students _ too many for the school's existing playground equipment. With too many children, specific grades are allowed to use the structures on specific days. The parent council hopes to solve the problem with more playground equipment. 'That will be done in the spring months if we can raise enough money,' said Winton. Last year the council approached local businesses and organizations for support. This year Winton says the council will be applying for various grants to help them reach their $50,000 target. The parent council hopes to see all of the dollars secured by May. '...then we can order the equipment and have it ready to go when school is out,' said Winton. Similar to last year's construction, the parent council will pay for supervision from one employee from the company that makes the play structure, and look to support from the community for the rest of the labour. During the first phase, the parent council saw help from parents as well as Flin Flon School Board members. The students of the school helped out through fundraisers such as bake sales, hat days and catalogue campaigns. 'They have been involved in a lot of it, too,' said Winton. The project's final phase will come if funds permit. The council hopes to add a slide to the far hill, near the Joe Brain Children's Petting Zoo, but Winton says it's not a done deal. '...if we can get enough money for the (second) phase we'll be happy, and beyond that is a bonus,' she said. Though the parent council will be looking to grants, Winton says donations are welcome and helpful. 'Any further help that people want to give, we will certainly welcome that,' she said.
