R Steve 2 introduced Krystal Zavitz.
Krystal is a mom of two boys who are students at Smithfield, Parker grade 5 and Lucas grade 3. Her husband, Greg, also went to Smithfield P.S. so the kids are second generation. Krystal has been a long time volunteer at the school. She has been the chair of parent council and run the student nutrition program for the last few years. She loves the outdoors and Presqu'ile is one of her favourite places for a walk. Living close to the school and strongly believing in the value of outdoor play her family spends alot of time there. She loves being a part of the Brighton community and having her children grow and learn here.
Our second guest from Smithfield Public School had to leave early for work.
Tamara is a wife and mother of two (Sebastian, age 8. Bea, age 6). She was born and raised in Brighton. She worked numerous years during her youth at IGA/Sobeys as a cashier and at a local strawberry field. She is now employed full time as a paramedic with Northumberland County and works here in Brighton, as well as occasionally out of the Kingston area. Tamara loves Brighton and feels so blessed for the opportunity to be able to have her children also grow up here, and be near to family. Brighton has grown so much, and she's very excited to see what the future holds!
Krystal said that Smithfield Public School is small, that there was talk of closing the school, but now they have portables on site for the extra students.
In 2018 a former Principle of the school was instrumental in initiating the development of an upgraded playground plan and fundraising was started.
Their plan has three areas of play: active (running), quiet (imagination) and mixed.
Part of the plan includes space for an outdoor classroom. ENSS students built them benches. They also have a sand box that the small kids really enjoy. They also have a willow walk. A tire play area and wacky stick area, musical area and tire climber and trees are also planned.
They were able to secure some grant money and were able to plant some trees. The students have adopted the trees and keep them watered.
There was a COVID pause to their plans and activities, but now they are moving ahead again.
In 2023 one of their priorities is to fix the soccer field because it has a ditch through it that they want to fill in so they have a flat play area.
Another goal is the tire climber. Tamara sourced the tires, now they have to install.
The wacky sticks with ropes makes a type of maze area for the kids.
For the quiet areas they hope to install a couple shade sails.
Musical instruments are to come.
This is a multi year plan. For 2023 they hope to raise about $50,000 and they have about $26,000 now. Things have to go through the school board and that adds complications however, they are hoping changes will be made at board level to make things easier.
R Daniel thanked Krystal for her presentation.