The Carbon School Parent Association Council (PAC) has been very active in building the school community through some successful initiatives.
There is a renewed vigour with a new vice-principal at Carbon School, and a new principal at the Tri-Campus School. Its most recent success is reviving its preschool, with affordable programs for parents.
“We have been approved for a grant, where out of pocket, parents only have to pay $25 a month,” said Mary Proctor, president of PAC.
She explained, previously the Carbon School would operate the preschool, however this year PAC took over operations. She says they have about 10 students and even a couple who are travelling from out of town to take advantage of the program.
The grant is provided through the Alberta Government Affordability Grant, which brings the cost of preschool from $100 to $25.
Families can also apply for the Alberta Child Care Subsidy Grant.
She says the program demonstrates interest in Carbon School, as the preschool, Kindergarten, and Grade One classes all have double-digit enrollment.
“If we can keep those numbers as we move up, it is going to be amazing,” she said.
The PAC and the school have been working together to expand the school community. Right now, they are doing a half-and-half program with DC Elliott School in Linden, which allows the students to do more extracurriculars. It also allows the schools to combine for sports teams, where previously each never had the numbers for sports programs. There are also junior sports offered for the Grade 3-6 students.
The school has also been successful in implementing a free lunch program for every student in the school.
“We have a government grant for it and local businesses supporting it,” said Proctor. “The Old H’Ags, the restaurant next door, is providing meals and the kids do their own dishes afterwards.”
She says there is positive energy at the school, building community.