Children spun wildly with excitement during the Space - themed Carnival at St. Jerome’s School on March 2.
As part of their Leadership Class, Grade 10 students organized booths, decorated the school, contacted businesses, and volunteered to run the Carnival. The Carnival is a service project that provided the students practical, hands-on life lessons on how important it is to give back to where you are from according to Teacher, Allan MacMillan who remembers attending the Carnival in 1971 when he was in Grade 1.
“It’s a kid-run Carnival. The big focus is on what the children learn and the positive feeling they get when they complete a job so well done,” said MacMillan.
People of all ages ventured out to support and enjoy the festivities. Children were amazed by the space themed decorations and the multitude of activities as they enjoyed a variety of carnival snacks. Adults also enjoyed a 50/50 raffle, touring the wide array of silent auction items, and listening to live piano music in the tea room. The tea room also offered cookie decorating and had additional funds raised for the Canadian Transplant Society (an organization chosen by the Grade 10 students).
“Businesses in the community have been ridiculously supportive. Every year I am always amazed at the quality and quantity of items donated. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible,” said MacMillan in reference to the silent auction items.
MacMillan went on to say that for the last number of years, the Carnival has raised enough funds, allowing them to take every Grade 10 student that wanted to attend the Provincial Leadership Conference.
“We enjoyed working to get the children and community involved in the Carnival, and are looking forward to our field trip at the end of the year,” said Grade 10 student, Ashley Corbiere.
