February 10, 2025 (Vankleek Hill, ON) – Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1 students from Pleasant Corners Public School (PCPS) showcased their creativity and generosity by donating $637 to the CHEO Foundation, along with copies of their bilingual book Fall, a Season of Gratitude/Automne, Une Saison de Gratitude.
On Friday, February 7, Mandy Arsenault, Community Engagement Officer at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), visited PCPS to accept the donation and the copies of the book.
The project began as part of a classroom literacy activity focused on writing and storytelling. Each student wrote and illustrated a page of the book, sharing either what they love about fall or an interesting fact about the season. Once the book was completed, the students decided to turn it into a fundraising initiative. With support from families, friends, and the UCDSB Teaching and Learning Department—who purchased one book for every Grade 1 class in the board—the students sold 200 copies.
The Vankleek Hill Review printed the books, and the funds raised were donated to the CHEO Foundation, a cause the class felt connected to. "We talked about different organizations that help children and families, and the students were excited to support CHEO because they knew how important it is to kids in our area," said teacher Stacy Schwendemann.
“We are so proud of our students for combining their literacy learning with a project that gives back to the community,” said PCPS Principal Laura Kirby. “Their hard work, creativity, and compassion are inspiring, and I know their contribution will bring smiles to many children.”
“CHEO relies on donations from the community,” added Arsenault. “We are so grateful and proud of the young learners at PCPS for their generous support and for sharing such a beautiful book for patients to enjoy.”
The group plans to write and illustrate two sequels to the book—a winter and a spring/summer version—before the end of the school year. In addition to Fall, a Season of Gratitude/Automne, Une Saison de Gratitude, last year’s Grade 1 class at PCPS authored The ABCs of Positive Character. Both books will be permanently available in the Library of Canada in Ottawa.
For more information, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Manager of Communications
Upper Canada District School Board
[email protected]