Once a year, St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic School in Bradford holds a carnival. And for the past eight years, volunteer Josie Evangelista has been involved, marshalling a small army of students, parents and volunteers to make it all happen.
The event is a fundraiser for parent council projects, but it’s more than that — it is also a celebration that brings together the whole school community for an evening of fun, games, prizes and, this year, pizza.
Many of the school’s 225 students and their families came out for the carnival May 17, enjoying games, soccer, baseball and hockey challenges, as well as face-painting, and music by teacher and children’s entertainer, Russ Clayton.
There was also a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses — from cupcakes donated by Sweet B’s Bakery, to two silver chains from Bradford Jewellery and Gems — and gift baskets put together by each classroom.
Tickets were $1 each or six for $5, with the proceeds going to the parent council’s latest project.
“The parent council is raising funds because they’d like to put up some sun shelters outside, and an outdoor classroom,” said the school’s principal, James Murphy. “It’s a great idea.”
He praised the parents and volunteers for their enthusiasm and support for the carnival, and for “making the whole place more vibrant!”
The carnival also included a photobooth, candy and treat sales, and a special opportunity: South Simcoe Police Service was on-hand to check kids’ helmets fit properly or hand out new ones.
It was part of Helmets on Kids, an initiative of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board has received 150 helmets through the program to give out to kids who need them, and combat the statistics, including 60 per cent of hospitalizations of young children are related to cycling accidents, and properly-fitted helmets can cut brain injuries by 88 per cent.
