Building stronger schools, communities together

St. Vital

One of the joys of serving as city councillor for the past 15 years — and admittedly, not every day has been joyful — has been my strong working relationship with the Louis Riel School Division.

Together, we have partnered on a wide range of community projects, including three running tracks, 11 basketball court upgrades, four outdoor classrooms, the performing arts space at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, and several community kitchens. We are wrapping up this school year with another round of initiatives supported through St. Vital ward funding:

• A new Indigenous-themed entrance mural at Darwin School to welcome students, families, and visitors;

• Sponsorship of the year-end picnic at École Varennes;

• Mobile bleachers for Victor Mager School;

• Soccer field upgrades, including new nets and posts, at Hastings School in celebration of the World Cup;

• Joint funding for a new gaga pit at Sage Creek School (I’m still learning the rules, but the school community is enthusiastic!);

• Replacement of the player benches at Glenlawn Collegiate — bringing back memories of the time I spent on those benches during basketball games at GCI; and

• An outdoor shelter at Dakota Collegiate near the Murray Field complex.

It has been a busy and productive time. Earlier this school year, we celebrated the opening of new city-funded outdoor classrooms at St. George School and D.W. Penner School, a new basketball court at École Mazina-Giizhik in Sage Creek, and new sports equipment for Glenwood School. In May, I also had the pleasure of helping dedicate the new outdoor basketball court and swing set at Sage Creek’s DSFM school. I remain hopeful that we can partner with the province to secure funding for a new play structure at Lavallée School.

By combining city and school division resources, we have created lasting investments in our community — from classrooms and sports facilities to gathering spaces for families and residents. These accomplishments highlight the power of partnership and shared priorities.

Having served as a school trustee from 2006 to 2010, I am especially proud of these partnerships and look forward to continuing our work with both the Louis Riel School Division and DSFM in the years ahead.