Dear Editor:

On behalf of the students at both St Marys Central P.S. and Arthur Meighen P.S. we’d like to say THANK YOU to the wonderful people in the community of St. Marys who made our first joint School Carnival such a memorable, fun experience!
A perfect evening brought out hundreds of families for supper and entertainment. There were lots of cowboy hats, boots, plaid shirts and straw bales in keeping with the Hoedown theme.  
The menu included a pig roast and cheese nachos in addition to regular carnival fare — the new candy kabobs were a huge hit!  You could test your strength at Hammer the Nail, enter Barrel Races or Paint the Truck on Elizabeth Street, play Outhouse Toss, Shoo Crow, Cactus Toss or Pitching Radar — how fast can you throw? You could have your picture taken in western gear against a desert backdrop, or make a cowgirl/boy vest at the craft table.
We brought back the ever-popular dunk tank, face painting, and tattoos, along with Bogle the clown and a HUGE 17-foot inflatable slide and Bouncy Castle.  You could check out our used book sale, get info on Little Falls or purchase raffle tickets for Jacob Grodzinski’s paintings of the schools on your way to the gym.  Here it was quiet as children decided which “Jazzy Jars” they’d put their ticket in and adults casually tried to out-bid each other at the Silent Auction which included class-created, donated gift baskets and fantastic, donated gift items from parents and community businesses.
Such a well orchestrated event relies on dozens of people for its success, and this year’s Carnival Committee, a melding of parents and staff from both schools, was OUTSTANDING!  A huge thank you to Jill Taylor, our Carnival Committee Chair and the rest of her team: Tracy Treadway (in charge of all food), Laura Truax, LeeAnn Bertrand, Heather Brock, Stacey Guymer, Erica Brine, Kara Stevens, Sam Crawford, Lisa McClelland, Lynn Hainer, Candy McEwan, Lynn McDougall, Rachel Mahaffy and Kathy Rae, began brainstorming ideas in January.  They divided the work, with everyone contributing ideas and suggestions for making this the best Carnival ever.  They were tired, but had good reason to smile by the end of the night.  
The Carnival couldn’t run without our student volunteers. They were fantastic, running games and helping with food. Parents pitched in with “set up” and “take down”, ran the barbecue, sold tickets, food, etc. Special thanks to all the Central and AMPS teachers (who had already put in a long day before the event began) who supervised events — and who managed excited and tired students on the day of the event and the day after!  
Finally, a very special thank you to Sylvia Richardson and Jessie Jackson, Central’s custodial staff who supported volunteers, kept the power running and made sure the grounds and school were cleaned up and ready for the next day.   
In addition to the many volunteers, Central appreciates the “Jazzy Jars” and Silent Auction items contributed by parents and local businesses.  Financial support from individuals and community businesses covered some food costs and other expenses. Thanks you also to St. Marys Cement Plant for loaning us the barbecue.  
The Carnival raised almost $10,000 (WOW!) and all proceeds will go to the building of our new, inclusive playground at Little Falls P.S. what a worthwhile project!   
There was a remarkable sense of community and spirit of cooperation generated by this very special Carnival — the last one at the Central site.  It was an absolute success in terms of joining two schools and there’s no doubt that next year’s Carnival — the first at the Little Falls site — will carry on a wonderful tradition, and continue to create many fond memories for students, staff and families in this wonderful community. We are not just building a new school. We are building our community!
Thank you St. Marys!


Janet Jamison, Principal - St. Marys Central
Helen Brockman, Principal - Arthur Meighen