THUNDER BAY — From sleigh rides to Santa’s workshop, École Publique des Vents du Nord had so much to see at their second annual Christmas market on Saturday.
The school has been open for two years, holding this event each holiday season so far, as the school’s biggest event of the year.
Oye-Sem Won, principal of École Publique des Vents du Nord, said the market is a fundraiser for the school, run by parent council.
“Lots of volunteers come in and get some local vendors, food vendors and different activities to try and fundraise for the school.
“It also helps with the visibility of the school and letting the folks of Thunder Bay know that we are open, that we are here and we're looking to have more students come and join us,” Won said.
The school was bustling inside and out with the different vendors and activities.
“We have a Santa's workshop that is different this year. In the workshop, there is an area for family, a family photo booth. There are arts and crafts, cookie decorating. Also, some food vendors. Everything from knitters and crochet to wood burning and all kinds of wonderful vendors here,” she said.
Won said this is a fun event that brings people together during the holidays, and fundraises for students.
“It brings in a good amount of money for the student’s activities.
“It is a lot of work. So, as long as parents and the community are willing to help, I think that it's definitely something that we would love to continue doing. Definitely requires lots of extra hands, but the hope is that this continues and that it can only grow from here.”
The money raised will go to activities for students, Won said.
“We enjoy taking students to outings such as trying skiing for the first time, cross country or downhill, we’ve also gone tubing. We will be going to activities such as going to the auditorium to watch other people perform arts and different medias like that.
“It just helps with all those costs with everything going up. So, students can still experience all kinds of activities.”
Won said some of the fundraising this year will go towards long-term projects.
“We want to eventually have an outdoor classroom with a community garden where neighbouring families and community members can come and join and use it throughout the summer because we have such a large school yard.
École Publique des Vents du Nord does not have a registration period, students can join the school at any time throughout the year. For more information visit the website, or contact the school directly.
“We're a school like every other school but like a tight knit family because we're so small,” Won said.
