Ernie Checkeris Public School launched a character education initiative called the Buddy Bench/le banc d'amitié June 14.
The purpose of The Buddy Bench is 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.
Ernie Checkeris Public School Principal Lesley Fisher thanked teacher Kristina Taylor for spearheading the project. Students were invited to brainstorm ideas for the benches and helped to design and paint them.
“We wanted the benches to reflect Rainbow District School Board’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusive education,” said Fisher, in a press release.
“The bright colours are a symbolic reminder to always be caring and supportive of one another. Students will continue to enjoy an outdoor environment where diversity is accepted and respected.”
Ernie Checkeris school is a French Immersion junior kindergarten to Grade 3 school located in New Sudbury.
