Heather Latter
The Robert Moore School Council will host an “Art Extravaganza” there next Tuesday (May 7) from 6-8 p.m.—and all members of the community are encouraged to drop by.
Made possible by a Parent Involvement Grant from the Ministry of Education, the event will feature a gallery of artwork made by the students, ranging from sketches and pastel renderings to paintings and intricate wire sculptures.
The evening also will be a chance for the school to highlight new parent connection opportunities that are available.
“Robert Moore School is very excited and proud to provide parents and caregivers with alternative opportunities to stay fully-connected with their children’s learning and development with online resources and classroom blogs accessible through our school website,” noted principal Dianne Thompson.
“Our classroom blogs document our students’ learning journeys,” she noted.
“Imagine being at home after a long day of work relaxing with a well-deserved cup of tea, checking out your children’s claim that they were very busy learning today.”
As a bonus, those who would like to support Robert Moore’s universally-accessible breakfast program can purchase desserts and artwork for $3 and $5 per piece, respectively, during the “Art Extravaganza.”
“Our need for funds is ongoing,” stressed Toey Bone, a volunteer for the breakfast program and vice-chair of the school council.
“Additional funds will ensure we are able to start up the breakfast program at the start of the school year in the fall,” she explained.
“In the past, it was delayed until October and kids are still hungry in September.”
The program, which is available to all 470 students in the school, sees trays of food delivered to classrooms each morning to ensure everyone begins their school day with food in their stomachs.
Volunteers for the program have included the Northwestern Health Unit, Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services, the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club, Gillons’ Insurance, as well as Barb Kabel and Maureen LeMesurier.
“The breakfast program is doing amazing things for the children who attend Robert Moore School,” indicated staff at Child and Family Services, who help prepare the trays of food many mornings during the school year.
“As volunteers, parents, and community members, it is very rewarding to know that this program provides healthy food options to every child before they start their busy day,” they stressed.
“The most important aspect of this program is the fact that it is offered to any child regardless of their situation or circumstance.
“As parents and community members, we are avid supporters of this program,” they added.
John Homer of Gillons’ Insurance also praised the Breakfast Program.
“Kids perform better in school when they’ve had a good breakfast, so it literally is a learning tool,” he stressed, citing staff of Gillons’ volunteer once every two weeks and it only takes about a half hour out of their day.
“The funds are important to keep it running, but it also needs the volunteers to make it happen,” he added.
Bone said she thinks the “Art Extravaganza” will be a great way for parents and community members to come out, learn about the new parent connection opportunities, view student artwork, and support the breakfast program.
“Robert Moore School is very excited and proud to provide parents, caregivers, loved ones, and community members with this opportunity to celebrate student learning and achievements, as well as an occasion to support the breakfast program through ever-needed monetary donations,” Thompson remarked.
“Just as breakfast is an important and critical beginning to each and every day, learning, achievement, and education is the beginning of every successful, fulfilled future,” she added.
“We’re really excited about this event,” enthused Bone, noting students already have been completing art projects.
“There are a lot of wonderful pieces,” she said. “I’m impressed with the variety we are going to have.
“It’s going to be really neat.”
Bone added the school council planned the “Art Extravaganza” because it wanted to find a way to draw the parents and families into their children’s learning while giving the kids the opportunity to showcase their creativity.
“And we are always keeping in mind the importance and continued benefit from the nutritious foods made available daily to the entire student body,” she reasoned.
As well, Bone said they’re always looking for more parents to get involved in the school council.
“I have found being on the school council, I feel more connected to the school and what is going on in the daily lives of my girls,” she noted.
“Having a voice that is heard is important to me, especially when it concerns my children and what is going on in the school where they spend the majority of their day.
“If anyone in the school community has any questions or input into the goings on at the school, please get involved with the school council and see what a difference you can make,” Bone urged.
For more information, visit the school’s website at http://rms.rrdsb.com
