Four Catholic Schools in Saskatchewan Awarded Playground Grants

The Prince Albert Roman Catholic School Division announced that four schools will benefit from a total of $50,000 in grants aimed at upgrading playground facilities. The recipients are Ecole Holy Cross, St. Catherine Community School, St. John Community School, and St. Michael Community School. This funding comes from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, enhancing the outdoor play experience for students.

Ecole Holy Cross has already completed its playground project, using the grant to supplement funding previously invested by the School Community Council (SCC). Director of Education Lorel Trumier expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “Our playgrounds were one of the areas that we can’t thank this government enough for this opportunity.” She emphasized the significant positive impact on the schools, noting that five of the six elementary schools within the division are receiving this funding.

In November, the division announced that Ecole St. Anne School had also secured $50,000 from the same program. The grant initiative is part of a broader effort announced by the Province of Saskatchewan on September 9, 2023, which includes an annual investment of $3.75 million to improve outdoor play spaces across the province. According to Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, the grant will be administered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA).

Each school involved in the project had to establish matching funds through their SCCs, which could total up to $50,000. Some schools have also received in-kind support and donations to assist with their projects. Trumier noted the proactive approach taken by the SCCs in submitting their applications quickly, highlighting that the grants were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The schools have all been notified by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association,” Trumier remarked. She expressed satisfaction that the grant would ease the financial burden on the SCCs, allowing them to allocate funds toward other initiatives. “If that grant would not have been available, it would not have happened this quickly,” she added, reflecting on the importance of timely funding for school projects.

During a regular meeting of the board of education on December 15, 2023, Trumier shared the positive news about the grants, underscoring the collective effort behind the successful applications and the ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational environment for students in the region.