A group of young students at Pleasant Corners Public School (PCPS) have turned a classroom literacy project into a meaningful act of generosity, raising $637 for the CHEO Foundation through the sale of their bilingual book, Fall, a Season of Gratitude/Automne, Une Saison de Gratitude.
On Friday, Feb. 7, Mandy Arsenault, Community Engagement Officer at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), visited PCPS to accept both the donation and copies of the book.
The project began as a classroom writing and storytelling activity for Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1 students, with each child contributing an illustrated page about what they love about fall or an interesting fact about the season. What started as a literacy exercise quickly evolved into a fundraising initiative. With support from families, friends, and the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Teaching and Learning Department—who purchased a copy for every Grade 1 class in the board—the students sold 200 copies of the book.
The books were printed by The Vankleek Hill Review, and all proceeds were donated to the CHEO Foundation, a cause that resonated with the students.
« 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,” said PCPS Principal Laura Kirby who praised the students for their creativity and community spirit. “Their hard work, creativity, and compassion are inspiring, and I know their contribution will bring smiles to many children.”
Arsenault echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community donations to CHEO.
“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,” she said.
The students are now working on two sequels—a winter and a spring/summer edition—before the end of the school year. Fall, a Season of Gratitude joins another PCPS student-created book, The ABCs of Positive Character, as part of the Library of Canada’s permanent collection in Ottawa.
