Levack Public School unveils two new Buddy Benches

Levack Public School proudly unveiled two new Buddy Benches during a special ceremony on Monday, September 24, 2016. The Buddy Bench is a character education initiative used to help eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the school playground.

The idea originated from an eight-year-old boy from Pennsylvania. If a student has no one to play with or feels shy to approach a group, he/she can go sit on the buddy bench. If students see someone on the buddy bench, they know to reach out to them and make them feel included.

During the ceremony, Constable Cheryl Kennelly of the Greater Sudbury Police Service spoke to students about the philosophy of the Buddy Bench. Students then shared thoughts and ideas for the benches that would become the focus of the program.

“The buddy benches further promote the Rainbow District School Board’s ongoing commitment to equitable and inclusive schools,” says Levack Public School Principal Stephen Winckel. “This helps to foster a positive school culture where diversity is recognized and respected.”

He adds: “I would like to thank School Council member Jennifer Sime for leading this project as well as King Fabricating for generously donating the benches. I would also like to thank our students, Lonny Parker, Diane Krause and the staff at Centre Pivot du Triangle Magique for their assistance with installation.”

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Media Contact:

Stephen Winckel, Principal, Levack Public School
Rainbow District School Board, 705-671-5943

Photo: Levack Public School hosted a ceremony to unveil two new buddy benches on Monday, September 24, 2016. In attendance were, back row, from left, Principal Stephen Winckel, Neila MacLeod of King Fabricating, Jennifer Sime project lead, and Constable Cheryl Kennelly of the Greater Sudbury Police Service; front row, from left, students Christoff Campbell, Gregory Sime and Olivia Brenton.