This past year, the school that was formerly Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) also became home to local Grade 7 and 8 students from Port Elgin schools. To accommodate the additional students, renovations took place inside and outside of the original building that is now known as Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS).
One of the initiatives of the School Community Council (SCC) at SDSS was to raise funds for the outdoor space which became known as the ‘Playscape Beautification and Enhancement Project’. The SCC wanted the students to have somewhere to go during recess or free time that was welcoming, pleasant and would benefit all students.
Fundraising efforts included selling re-usable grocery and produce bags that took place in November and raised approximately $5,000 for the project. Grade 8 students also raised $120 from candy cane sales which went towards the project.
Donations were also received from a number of local businesses and organizations: $500 from Lakeside Controls; $1000 from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340; $1500 from Chantry Island Chambettes; $200 from KEPCO; $1000 from Walmart. In addition, $2,000 was also raised from Trivia Nights hosted by Karen Fehr at Lakeshore Recreation Centre in Port Elgin.
There were also ‘in-kind’ donations that included Southport Horticultural Society donating a large metal picnic table, Ecole Port Elgin Saugeen Central School (EPESC) that donated a picnic table and soccer nets and Northport Elementary School that also donated a table.
The decisions for the project were based on a Grade 7 and 8 student survey to determine where students wanted the money used. As a result, it was to purchase two more basketball nets, a Gaga Ball system, the installation of football standards and padding, a volleyball net for the new grass court and a bench.
Work has already begun in this area and should be completed and ready to use for September 2020.
SDSS currently has approximately 820 students and this area will be enjoyed for many years to come. The next phase would include fundraising for bowl swings and an outdoor classroom. If you are interested in making a donation towards this project please contact the Principal, Melissa McEwen at 519 832-2091.
