October 29: Lansdowne Public School launches The Buddy Bench

Lansdowne Public School will launch a unique character education initiative called “The Buddy Bench” at a school assembly on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 10 am. The Buddy Bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the school playground.

The buddy bench 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.

Public speaker/entertainer Errol Lee introduced the buddy bench concept to Lansdowne Public School during a recent presentation on character education. “The idea resonated with our students,” says Principal Lisa Piquette. “Our older students took on the project and decided to design and build their very own buddy bench.” 

The project involved the entire school. Students were invited to brainstorm important messages and images to paint on the bench.  A group of students, under the guidance of a teacher, built the bench.  The older students made a presentation to each of the younger classes to teach them how the buddy bench works, including ideas about how to chat with someone on the buddy bench.

Following the assembly on October 29th, Crosstown Chevrolet will be on site from 11 am to 8 pm with up to 15 vehicles for the public to test drive. GM will forward $20 to the school for each test drive, with a portion of the proceeds going to the buddy bench initiative. Crosstown Chevrolet will also provide the school with a $250 donation for every person that purchases or leases a new or used vehicle for the balance of the school year. 

“We are grateful to the Crosstown Chevrolet Dealership for their generous support of our school through the Buick Drive for Your Students test drive fundraiser,” says Principal Piquette. “Through some of the funds raised, we hope to build even more buddy benches to be located throughout our large schoolyard.” She adds: “If you or someone you know is in the market for a car, please suggest a test drive at our school and a visit to Crosstown. It’s all for a good cause.”

The Buddy Bench is part of a larger initiative at Lansdowne Public School to continuously cultivate an inclusive and caring school community. “The Buddy Bench reminds us all to be kind and to support one another,” says Principal Piquette. She adds:  “At Lansdowne, we promote pride and well-being. We inspire our students to have the courage to stand up and do the right thing to ensure that everyone is safe and happy. Our message is as simple as the buddy bench – We all belong. We all matter.”

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Media Contact:

Lisa Piquette, Principal, Lansdowne Public School

Rainbow District School Board, 705-675-6451

Grade 8 students Thomas Rideout, left, and Hailey Newman-Burke work on designs for the buddy bench at Lansdowne Public School. This unique character education initiative will be launched at a school assembly on Thursday, October 29, 2015.