New school year – New schoolyard: Cyril Varney Public School gets a makeover

Students and staff at Cyril Varney Public School in New Sudbury have a new schoolyard thanks to generous contributions from the community, including enhancements through the Ugliest Schoolyard Contest. The makeover culminated on Thursday, September 10, 2015 when members of the Sudbury Horticultural Society joined students to plant a healing garden.

“Our schoolyard has been transformed into an outdoor classroom, where students can explore and investigate,” said Principal Ron Hodkinson. “With the healing garden, students will gain new knowledge about herbs and their significance. It will also provide a second seating area for teaching and learning.”

He added: “We extend heartfelt thanks to the many students, parents/guardians, staff, local partners and members of the community who have played a role in making this happen. We also thank the VETAC Regreening Advisory Panel for its support. The new schoolyard provides a natural setting for Cyril Varney Public School’s ongoing focus on environmental leadership.”

As part of the revitalization project, cedar, apple and maple trees were planted, vines were added under a pergola and stone seating areas were created. Old soccer nets were replaced and the play structure was painted.

Cyril Varney Public School is committed to sustainability. Some 30 staff and students serve as members of the Eco Team who promote waste minimization, energy conservation and schoolyard re-greening. Students also receive daily eco-friendly reminders.

In recognition of its efforts, Cyril Varney Public School is a recipient of the Rainbow District School Board 2015 Go Green Globe Award.

The school is located at 1545 Gary Street in New Sudbury.

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Media Contact:

Ron Hodkinson, Principal, Cyril Varney Public School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-566-2424.

Staff and students at Cyril Varney
Public School planted a Healing Garden in the schoolyard with members of
the Sudbury Horticultural Society on Thursday, September 10, 2015. The
Healing Garden is divided into four sections, each growing a different
herb – North has Sweet Grass, South has Echinacea, East has Bee Balm and
West has Sage. The Healing Garden is part of a schoolyard
revitalization project that began in the spring.

Teresa
Cullum, right, of the Sudbury Horticultural Society, joins Ella Vellow,
left, and Shay-Lynn Walker of Cyril Varney Public School as they plant
Bee Balm in the school’s new Healing Garden.

Kaliska
Wong, left, and Mackenzie St. Amant of Cyril Varney Public School were
busy planting herbs in the new Healing Garden at Cyril Varney Public
School.

Grade 6 students
Kaitlyn Miglioranza, left, and Hope Osawamick of Cyril Varney Public
School were hard at work planting shrubs in the school’s new berry
garden.