Soon the landscape of Blackfalds will be changing once again with the opening of a new school.
A local group aims to ensure the new Wolf Creek Public School (WCPS) facility currently being built along Cottonwood Drive on the east side of Blackfalds will have a playground for students to enjoy.
The Friends of the Iron Ridge Campus Society (FIRCS) will be fundraising for playground equipment for the new facility.
WCPS announced the Grade 4 to Grade 6 school, named Iron Ridge Intermediate Campus, will house up to 400 students and will be open for the September 2016 school year.
The FIRCS was established, with a full board, to organize and host fundraisers that will benefit the students at both the Iron Ridge Elementary Campus and Iron Ridge Junior Campus.
Currently, FIRCS has nine volunteers serving both campuses. With the addition of the new campus next year, the group is looking to expand their fundraising efforts and volunteer reach.
FIRCS President Christine Barr said instead of servicing all three campuses in the new year, the society will be forming two new boards, one for each school.
“That way each school can have their own board and can host their own casino,” she said.
The group held a meeting recently at the junior campus for parents who wanted to be involved on either of the boards. Barr said the society would guide the newcomers with the details of how to proceed ahead with forming a new society. Once the societies are officially formed, the Town of Blackfalds can then look into community initiative grants in order to support the new playground.
Due to the tight time line, Barr said there is no guarantee they will have the funds and a playground in place for when the school opens in September, but they are going to attempt it.
FIRCS has funded several new playgrounds, trees and shrubs and a new sign at the other two campuses over the years.
In September 2016, with the opening of the new school, the grade configuration will also change at the other two campuses. The current Iron Ridge Elementary Campus will host Kindergarten to Grade 3.
For more information about the society or volunteer opportunities contact Barr at 403-885-0315 or by email at lillian5@telus.net.
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