Community Foundation Grants Continue to Enhance Student Learning and Play at St. Mary CES in Campbellford

May 26, 2026

Students at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Campbellford are continuing to benefit from the generosity of the Community Foundation of Campbellford/Seymour and Northumberland (CFCSN), with the school receiving a $5,000 grant for a second consecutive year.

This year’s funding will support a new project focused on Enhancing Outdoor Play, expanding access to recreational equipment that supports outdoor learning, physical education and recess activities while promoting active, creative and inclusive play experiences for students.

The initiative includes the purchase of a variety of outdoor play equipment, along with a secure shed and storage system to safely house materials and support long-term sustainability.

“While this project is still in the early stages, the hope is that through further investment in outdoor learning and play, the overall student experience will be improved. We foresee improvements in social relationships on the school yard at recess, access to more active and creative play experiences for our younger students, and increased options for older students as well. Additionally, new equipment can also be used to benefit educator-led outdoor and physical education activities,” explained Cameron Morin, Special Education Resource Teacher and project lead.

This latest investment builds on previous support from the Community Foundation. Last year, St. Mary CES received funding for a project titled Flexible Learning Environments for All, which enabled the school’s Special Education team to purchase a variety of flexible seating options for classrooms throughout the school.

“Through the funding provided by the Community Foundation we have been able to acquire flexible seating arrangements for each of our 12 classrooms at the school. Flexible seating has given our students the choice to sit in a way that helps them learn best – on cushions, floor seats, exercise ball seats/chairs, rocking chairs or at standing desks. As a staff, we have witnessed increased focus and engagement, more dynamic opportunities for student collaboration, as well as improved comfort in the learning environment,” shared Mr. Morin.

The Community Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of initiatives at St. Mary CES, helping to fund projects that create meaningful opportunities for students while supporting learning and well-being across the school community.

“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support provided through the Community Foundation of Campbellford/Seymore and Northumberland grants, which have enriched opportunities in technology, accessibility, science, and athletic activity for all students. These initiatives have not only enhanced learning, but have also encouraged students to explore God’s creation, connect with their community, and see more clearly the ways they are called to serve and care for others in the world around them,” said Principal Melissa Jolicoeur. “We feel truly blessed to have received this support over the years for such meaningful initiatives, inspired by passionate educators who continually seek to nurture the gifts, dignity, and potential of every child entrusted to our care.”