Julia Graydon, Principal at St. John Bosco School, welcomed community members to the Grand Opening of Kidz Kastle Day Care on May 8. She thanked the many special guests in attendance from child care, school, church, municipal, county and community organizations as well as the architects and designers who had played a part in the day care project. She acknowledged the Bosco community, “I would like to welcome our staff members, our students and other members of our school community… without your unwavering support and incredible efforts this massive project would not have gone as smoothly as it did.“
After a Land Acknowledgment and Indigenous Prayer, Graydon (shown inset) formally welcomed Kidz Kastle Children’s Centre: “Now that the hard work is complete… and you have settled into your new home we couldn’t be happier to have you join our school community. We hope our partnership with you continues to flourish and deepen in the many years to come.”
Bil Smith, Director of the Community Resource Centre (CRC) in Killaloe, spoke about CRC’s vision of “a future where people have access to the information, supports, services, and connections they need to live full lives in vibrant, sustainable rural communities. Our approach to help achieve this is to take services out to the communities where people live. Bringing quality, affordable, licensed daycare to Barry’s Bay is a big step forward.”
Smith said the Kidz Kastle Barry’s Bay adds to the suite of programs they already offer in the Madawaska Valley:
- · Toy Bus Early ON parent and child programs
- · Prenatal Nutrition programs
- · Game ON! Sport and recreation afterschool program,
- · Licensed before and after school program
He said CRC supports local businesses by shopping locally and the daycare has created eight new jobs for local people. He thanked everyone involved especially the daycare team led by Colleen Watson, the St. John Bosco school community. Smith made special mention of Judy Mulvihill from County of Renfrew and Elizabeth Burchat from the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB).
Those assembled also heard from RCCDSB Chair, Dave Howard, and from Trustee :Marlene Borutski. Madawaska Valley Mayor Kim Love said facilities for young families are critical to community and economic growth. After a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony (pictured at top), everyone was invited to gather in the library for refreshments and for a tour of the facility.
Austin and Carter Prince try out the instruments
Kidz Kastle toddler room (left) and classroom sign