Kinsmen provide comfort

Community organization purchases furniture for Learning Centre

The New Waterford Kinsmen Club has added comfort to the lives of others once again.

The club donated a sofa and love seat to the Learning Centre at the New Waterford School in River Ryan.

“The Kinsmen Club has been really good to the Learning Centre,” said principal Joyce Morrison.

The centre was located in St. Agnes school and was moved to New Waterford School last year when St. Agnes was closed.

Morrison said the Kinsmen came to the school and asked what they needed.

“They purchased a sofa and a love seat, it was wonderful. They even came with school supplies earlier in the year. They are very kind.”

There are currently six students in the Learning Centre.

Morrison said although there is inclusion in the classrooms today the centre allows for a special environment for students who are not ready for the classroom.

“(It’s) for students not at this time ready for the classroom but who will transition into classroom activities when they are ready,” she said. “That’s the goal to have them in the regular class. Not everyone is able to spend a full day in a classroom setting.”

Morrison said during the transition period, the Learning Centre students join a regular class for activities such as gym and music and eventually story time.

She said some of the students who come into the centre may be non-verbal or lack communication skills.

“It’s a home environment with even a kitchen and chairs where they can learn table manners and another area where they learn to sit quietly and respect each other’s space. Principal Joyce Morrison

“It’s a home environment with even a kitchen and chairs where they can learn table manners and another area where they learn to sit quietly and respect each other’s space. There are different (areas) in the room where life skills can be taught.”

Joe Curry, vice-president of the New Waterford Kinsmen Club, said the Kin Association asks members to focus on youth, adults and seniors who face challenges.

Curry said the local club has been involved with the Learning Centre for many years and has supplied furnishings as well as other items such as a washer and dryer. The club at one time held parties and purchased winter clothes for the students.

He said the club supports the community in many ways including providing money to assist people who have to go to Halifax for a medical appointment.

“We spent $2,000 on helping people with travel last year, $100 at a time.”

He said they assist many local community groups and clubs and have also donated to many causes over the years including cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and the Canadian Cancer Society.