A handful of Ecole elementaire publique Heritage students got their hands dirty to try and put their imprint on two very special benches that will be located on the school property.
They are “Buddy Benches”; two benches made and painted by grade 5 and 6 Heritage students to promote acceptance during Anti-bullying Awareness Week.
Odyssee organized the project for their feeder school.
Odyssee teacher Sylvie Vannier says the project helps promote communication, empathy and mindfulness.
“Our buddy benches will be the first in the area,” said Vannier, who got the idea for the initiative through social media.
“These 20 students who are painting the benches are grade 5/6 and they will be leaders in their school, so that if a student is feeling bullied or alone and sits on the bench - others will join him/her on the buddy bench.”
Even Mayor Al McDonald put his hand imprint on the two benches this afternoon in support of the Buddy Bench project.
Vannier feels hand print is symbolic for the students because it will be there for a long time and it’s their own personal work of art.
“I think its something they are really proud of as it will be in their school yard but they know it has a positive message as well,” she said.
Vannier encourages other local students, teachers or school administrators to create a buddy bench initiative of their own.
