Elizabeth Kuzyk, a Grade 4 student at James Mowat Elementary, stands beside a bulletin board displaying the school’s Mowat Express reading challenge.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students and staff are giving through charitable initiatives and receiving joy throughout their many holiday activities. Schools are holding food drives, hosting fundraisers and celebrating the season as they learn the value of supporting their communities.

This year, James Mowat Elementary classes have embarked on a magical journey with the Mowat Express for an exciting reading challenge. Students have been reading cumulatively to get the Mowat Express to the North Pole—the more minutes read, the more kilometres gained. “It’s a fun reading challenge that motivates people to read,” says Elizabeth Kuzyk, a Grade 4 student at the school. “If our train makes it to the North Pole, we get a prize!”

Kuzyk believes the challenge is positively impacting herself and her classmates. “If we didn't read, we’d probably be on screens—and reading is better for our brains. Reading breaks are great!”

Other holiday activities and charitable initiatives throughout EIPS include concerts and musical performances; holiday market fundraisers; food decorating contests; dress up days; winter dances; theatre productions; craft and bake sales; visits to senior centres; trivia games; scavenger hunts; schoolwide luncheons; and food, clothing and toy drives.

“Kindness is abundant in our communities during the holiday season,” says Cathy Allen, the Board Chair at EIPS, “and I’m so proud of what students, families and staff accomplish in helping local organizations and groups. Schools cultivate this kindness not only in the months of November and December—it’s an important area of focus year-round.”

Details about individual school concerts and other holiday events have been shared with school families directly.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902