MEDIA ADVISORY

June 5, 2006

Official opening of the courtyard at Bayside Secondary School
Renovation of the existing courtyard by students, staff, and community partners at Bayside Secondary School is now finished. An official opening ceremony is planned for Thursday, June 8, 2006.

Details of the courtyard’s official opening
Date: Thursday, June 8, 2006

Time: 11:00 a.m. AND 12:00 a.m.
(two ceremonies are scheduled to span the school’s lunch breaks)

Place: Bayside Secondary School
1247 Old Highway 2, Belleville

Background
What began as a small project a year ago has now come full circle as the original “smoking pit” at Bayside Secondary School has been transformed into a revitalized place for peaceful reflection, camaraderie and celebrations.

Many groups within the school, along with local community businesses, including Connon Nurseries, Home Depot, LeBaron Sculpture Studio, Heritage Monuments, Traditions Cemetary Services and Lisa Purves Garden Design and Consultation, have collectively contributed to make this project a success.

New benches, fresh mulch, new plant life, a carved granite stone, and bird feeders have helped to make the courtyard an enjoyable place for students and staff. The benches and bird feeders were crafted in the shop from wood donated by Home Depot. The plants and mulch, donated by Connon Nurseries, were installed by the South Campus students, EcoBound students, KIRK students, and any other students who happened to be walking by in the hall that day who wanted to grab a shovel and pitch in!

For information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966.1170 or 1 800 267.4350, extension 2354