John Galt PS unveils new buddy bench
June 19, 2017
GUELPH, Ontario – John Galt Public School unveiled its new buddy bench on June 15 at the school. The buddy bench was funded by Get in Touch with Hutch along with the Nicholas Lambden Foundation.
Get in Touch with Hutch is a charitable organization aimed at preventing suicide among youth and dedicated to removing the stigma around the topic of mental health. Nicholas Lambden is a former Upper Grand DSB student; Nicholas passed away in 2007 and would have attended John Galt PS. The foundation was set up in his honour. Nicholas’ mother was at the school to help unveil the bench.
At the beginning of the year, several students at the school approached staff to ask why they did not have a buddy bench – this act set the wheels in motion. The goal of the buddy bench is to bring people together and make sure students know they have a welcoming place. When students are sitting on the bench, other students and staff are encouraged to open up positive communication with the student(s) on the bench as a way of promoting friendship and inclusivity. Students can also sit on the bench when they are looking for a safe place. When a teacher or other students see someone sitting on the bench, they are alerted that the student may be in need of assistance.
John Galt PS is one of the latest schools in the Upper Grand DSB to obtain a buddy bench for the school.
John Galt Public School unveiled its new buddy bench on June 15, 2017, at the school. The buddy bench was funded by Get in Touch with Hutch along with the Nicholas Lambden Foundation.
Categories: Spotlight On Schools