By Fiona Story
Peeling paint, gouged ceilings and bulging walls are not what one usually associates with a school. But they are just a few problems plaguing St. Anthony elementary school.
The school reportedly needs about $1 million for renovations but the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board, has run out of money.
Enter the community. It has decided to take matters into its own hands to raise money to renovate the 95-year-old building at the corner of Booth Street and Gladstone Avenue.
John Dorner, St. Anthony’s principal, says the board is unable to contribute because there are simply no funds available.
Phil Rocco, director of the Catholic board of education, says St. Anthony is one among a number of schools needing renovations.
“We’re already behind $60 million for a number of projects that need to be done. Money’s so tight, we barely scraped through last year,” adds Rocco.
Last year, the board planned to move the students from the aging school to the newer McNabb school building on Percy Street. Relocation was averted because of strong community lobbying. Although the school is in good shape structurally, things such as new paint and furnishings will make a difference.
“Children are using mismatched desks and the chairs in the staff room have rips in them,” Dorner said while closing classroom curtains with foot-long tears. “We’ve been fortunate to get the hand-me-downs from other schools that have purchased newer materials. We have been using them for a few years but they’re starting to go as well.”
Simple things such as uneven table leg lengths causes problems at St. Anthony. The tables in the computer lab are bolted to the floor to prevent the equipment from sliding off. This has worked but the tables are still old and time-worn.
Vaughn Cook has two children at St. Anthony and says even minor renovations can make a big difference to the kids.
“It will benefit children’s confidence and pride. And if they see the community coming in and helping, it’s a good lesson on co-operation for them.”
There have been several meetings to discuss fundraising and renovation possibilities.
Angelo Filoso, chair of the Neighbourhood Alert Association, says the renovations are necessary.
“I was at the meeting on Thursday and it was very hot in the library, it was about 85 degrees. We couldn’t stay there very long, it was so hot it was unbelievable. Heating is one of the major items that has to be looked at with regards to the fundraising.”
One idea for fixing up rooms involves having student volunteers from St. Peter’s high school paint a classroom.
However, issues of insurance and parental consent have put the idea on hold for now.
A dinner-dance is scheduled for April 27, which is expected to raise $15,000. The charge will be $50 per plate, $40 of which is tax deductible.
Following the dinner-dance, the parent-teachers Association hopes to raise $3,000 by holding a potluck dinner.
The school is also seeking donations from the St. Anthony School Alumni Association for school-yard improvement.
St. Anthony has about 230 students.