News Item

Khowhemun Elementary School and Parkside Academy Childcare Society have been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Royal Bank of Canada Foundation to continue to operate the Smun’eem After School Care program.

In order to apply for the fourth and final year of funding from RBC Foundation, an evaluation of the program’s success was completed. Teachers and parents observed a positive change in students: demonstrated more responsibility, homework always completed, older students taking on a leadership role and helping younger students, more confidence and more engagement in their overall education. Parent response was overwhelmingly positive. Val Corfield, single parent of three children that have been in the ASC program since the first year says, “I would like to express my gratitude to all for this wonderful program and point out some of the benefits that include: male role models teaching life skill lessons, commitment to homework, improved report card marks resulting in family time for us when we get home at 6 pm”.All students stated they enjoyed the program, especially homework help, out door sports, crafts and just having fun, which makes them feel happy!

Principal Rhonda MacDowell says, “ It is once again fabulous news for the Khowhemun community and Parkside Academy. It means we have achieved our goals and successfully implemented the RBC grant criteria and core values of respect for diversity and inclusion. A panel of Canadian experts in the areas of youth and education made the decision to award us the grant for the fourth year. I am very proud of all those involved that believed in the vision and very thankful to the RBC Foundation for their generous contribution of $113,000 over the past four years. The rapport that Parkside Academy staff has with the fifty students, parents, and Khowhemun staff is definitely what has made this program so successful.Our goal this year will be to find other funding sources so that the program will continue to support children and families in the our community.”

Adriana Soler, Parkside Academy’s Director of Programs says, “ we are honored to receive the funding again this year to run the program. The after school program at Khowhemun has been a wonderful program for children and families in the school.It has also been a rewarding experience for Parkside to work so closely and create everlasting bonds with teachers, families and their children. We are so excited and happy to provide a fun, dynamic ASC program again this year.”

The Smun’eem After School Care program at Khowhemun Elementary will continue this September for students in Grade 1-6. Registration begins at the school on Monday, August 29th.

Organizations, agencies, businesses and members of the community are all invited to visit the school and be a part of an exciting program for the kids in our community. Please call Khowhemun Elementary School to be involved or obtain further information.

Media Contacts:

Rhonda MacDowell (Principal) 250-746-7845

Adriana Soler (Parkside Academy Director) 250-746-1711