UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Nationview PS Students Deliver Support to a First Nations Community

When Nationview Public School's Grade 1/2 classes learned about a fire that devastated a school in a remote northern First Nations community, they jumped at the opportunity to help them. 

Amanda Bangs, Grade 1/2 Teacher at Nationview PS, started her teaching career 13 years ago at John C Yesno Education Centre in Eabametoong First Nation, a fly-in community approximately 360 km north of Thunder Bay. When she moved on to teach in the Upper Canada District School Board, she maintained strong ties with her former colleagues and school. 

In January 2024, the 300-student school was devastated by an overnight fire, leaving a significant void in the education and support system of the remote community. Moved by the dilemma of her former colleagues and students, Bangs, along with her colleague Corrie Kelly and the Grade 1/2 classes, embarked on a mission to provide much-needed assistance.

In the months following the fire, the group organized two school fundraisers - a Valentine-O-Gram fundraiser where students purchased candy bags for their peers, and a keychain fundraiser where the class made and sold keychains and bracelets. Together, the two activities raised approximately $1,600, which was used to purchase school supplies to be shipped to the school along with other items collected.

"The classes accepted donations of school supplies from families and the community, and we very much appreciate their generosity," says Nationview PS Principal Candy Campbell.

When faced with high shipping costs, the Mountain Township and District Lions Club generously donated $500 to cover the expense. 

"It's less expensive for us to purchase and send materials than for them to buy and have items shipped to them," explains Bangs. "Every dollar saved in shipping means more resources can be directed toward rebuilding and restoring normalcy for the students and educators in the affected community." 

"This initiative embodies the values of empathy, compassion, and community engagement that we strive to instill in our students at Nationview Public School," says Campbell. "We commend Madame Bangs, Mrs. Kelly and their students for their exemplary leadership and dedication to making a positive impact." 

Nationview PS plans to keep in touch with their new friends at John C Yesno Education Centre and are currently organizing a video call between the two schools.