BY KEITH LACEY
Little Kai Nowak, 5, believes his good buddy Jordan Primeau is going to be all right.
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Students and staff at St. James Catholic School in Lively celebrated Jordan Primeau Day Thursday. |
?We say a little prayer every day for Jordan and I think about how God is helping him,? said Nowak.
The little boy, along with 400 other students at St. James Catholic School in Lively, celebrated Jordan Primeau Day on Thursday by making get well cards, raising money, saying prayers and thinking about the popular five-year-old, who remains at Toronto?s Hospital for Sick Children.
Jordan was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 18 months old. After undergoing treatment, Jordan returned to good health, and was living life to the fullest when he suffered a relapse in January.
Jordan is undergoing another intensive series of treatment at Sick Kids and will have to remain in the hospital for several more months.
?Jordan?s just an angel,? said his Junior Kindergarten teacher Rosannna Battigelli, tears pouring down her face. ?From the first time he walked into this classroom, he was just very affectionate and very loving and caring towards everyone.
?He?s very generous and caring and sharing with all of his classmates. He?s just a beautiful child and we all miss him.?
The student council at St. James decided several weeks ago to hold Jordan Primeau Day. His spirit was felt throughout the school as every classroom worked on individual projects to honour the young boy who means so much to so many at the tight-knit school. Some students made get well cards, others wrote stories, or put together picture montages. All of the work will be sent to Jordan?s hospital room in Toronto.
Students in the Grade 5-6 class produced a video showcasing all of the hard work being done by the students on Jordan?s special day. A copy of the video will also be forwarded to Jordan and his family.
The theme for Jordan Primeau Day was Bring a Bear to Show You Care and hundreds of stuffed bears were held by students from age four to 13 as a display of affection for Jordan.
His schoolmates regularly write get well cards and they are forwarded to Jordan?s parents, said Battigelli.
On Wednesday, the school held a book sale to raise funds for Jordan?s family, who are spending a lot of money travelling back and forth to Toronto, said Battigelli.
Hundreds of books were sold and about $1,500 was raised, she said proudly. On Thursday, a hat was passed around as part of the festivities and several hundred more dollars were raised.
This little boy has touched the hearts of so many and organizing the special day for him was a labour of love, said Battigelli.
?The generosity and spirit of the students at this school is simply amazing and really wonderful to see,? she said. ?I?m so proud of all the kids...their dedication and commitment to sharing and caring about Jordan has been truly remarkable.?
Principal Shirley McKnight said she couldn?t be prouder of her staff, students and all the parents who contributed to make Jordan Primeau Day a resounding success.
?I?m tremendously proud,? she said. ?I can?t believe the outpouring of generosity and kindness on display. It?s been truly remarkable.?
Jordan?s mother Shannon was ecstatic to hear so much was being done by so many to help her son.
?The staff and students at Jordan?s school have been so wonderful,? she said from the boy?s Toronto hospital room. ?The support has been overwhelming. Jordan is fully aware of what?s going on for him today and he really appreciates it.?
Jordan is a fighter and hasn?t let his health problems change his spirit and love of life, she said.
?He?s doing OK and hanging in there,? she said. ?Some days are very hard, but he?s still Jordan and he loves to laugh and joke around. He?s an extremely positive kid.?
Her family truly appreciates all the good deeds done for her son and has no doubt they will continue as Jordan continues treatment on his road to recovery, she said.
Emily Joyce Laxton, 4, summed up the thoughts of all of Jordan?s friends.
?I think about him a lot,? she said. ?He?s nice and we like to play together. He?s going to get better and come back and play with us.?
