Lakeland Ridge has a new addition to its playground. On September 13, the school unveiled two new Buddy Benches, an innovative tool used to create more inclusive playgrounds. The benches were installed on September 13, in memory of former teacher, Kellie Smith.
Last March, Smith passed away after a long battle with cancer. Her husband asked that all contributions in Smith's memory be donated to Lakeland Ridge's Grade 3 Buddy Bench Initiative. In total, more than $6,000 was raise in her name enough to install two Buddy Benches at the school and two Canadian maple trees.
"Kellie would be so pleased to know the school has these Buddy Benches," says Karla Satchwell, the principal at Lakeland Ridge. "For her, the benches were another way to ensure all of our students feel safe, happy and supported. At the same time, they also celebrate Kellie and who she was as a person kind, thoughtful, and adored by all."
The concept of the Buddy Bench is simple: If a student doesn't have someone to play with outside they sit on the Buddy Bench. Once another student sees that person sitting on the bench it becomes their responsibility to invite that child to join them. In essence, it's an inclusive way to make new friends and try new activities.
"I used the bench yesterday (9/12) and right away a friend came and asked me to play tag," says Brooklyn, a student at the school. "Later I went up to someone who was sitting on the bench. We pretended to be butterflies and had a lot of fun."
In total, more than 800 people attended the Buddy Bench unveiling, which included a dedication ceremony in Smith's name. Those who attended included Kellie's students, colleagues, family, community members and more.
Lakeland Ridge serves approximately 740 students in Kindergarten to Grade 9 and is one of 42 schools within Elk Island Public Schools. More information about the school is available at www.lakelandridge.ca.
