April 11, 2023 (Vankleek Hill, ON) – This morning, the Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) Library Redesign Committee held a fundraising pancake breakfast and silent auction to raise money for their real-world learning project of redesigning the VCI library.
What began in October 2022 as a Grade 10 Business class project has developed into a full school project. Today students were surprised with a cheque presentation for $30,000 donations to aid in their redesign. The cheque represents $10,000 from the Ministry of Education Entrepreneurial Pilot Projects fund, $18,000 from the Upper Canada District School Board, and $2,000 from VCI’s parent council. More fundraising partnerships are expected to develop as the school year progresses. The project is expected to cost approximately $50,000.
“Last semester, Mr. Onion took us to the library and asked our class our thoughts on the current design and what could make it better,” explains Grade 9 student Al Schwendemann, co-chair of the VCI Library Resign Committee.
The class decided that the library should be a space that promotes positive mental health, that’s relaxing, and a place where everyone belongs. The design team came up with a before and after floor plan, an itemized product and furniture list, a colour pallet and incorporated space for other classes to contribute artwork and creations in the plans.
“We want the library to be a place for everyone – a place where you can go to relieve stress,” says the committee’s union representative and Grade 10 student Morgan MacRae.
Once the semester ended in February, the project was opened to the whole school to participate, with planning meetings every Tuesday and Thursday after school. Students involved in the project in second semester will receive a business credit.
“We are currently capped at 24 students with eight students waitlisted. It is amazing to see the students take a keen interest in seeing the project through,” says VCI Business Teacher Turner Onion.
At the end of the month, the committee is planning to dedicate two Fridays to complete the painting of the library as a team. The furniture is ordered and expected to be delivered by June.
“I’m excited to see the project come together,” says VCI Principal Christie Walker. “I know that this group of dedicated students have put so much thought and hard work into it, and we’re looking forward to being able to use the new and improved learning space.”
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