Bayview Public School celebrated the return of the winter fair with a new name and lots of fun.
Historically, the Bayview Public School winter fair has been its School Council’s main fundraiser, supporting important all-school activities like dance workshops and Scientists in School. After nearly three years of pandemic restrictions, the council brought this much-loved event back to the community with a new name – that aligns with the school’s mascot, Nanuk the polar bear.
Held the first Saturday of December, the Polar Bear Fair was an opportunity for the school community to freely visit the school, see friends, and redeem their “Fair Passports” for fun activities like a winter-themed craft, cookie decorating, freeze dance, and carnival games.
Students were also encouraged to spend their “Bayview bucks” at the Holly Mall, a ‘kids only’ shopping area where gently used items could be rehomed by children, and purchased as gifts for their loved ones or themselves. With no adults allowed in the mall, there were certain to be some surprises when one person’s junk became another’s treasure!
Despite the challenges of a Council with little experience planning past fairs, Council members, school staff and parent volunteers dedicated their time and effort to make the event’s successful return possible. The Council relied on parents, grandparents, guardians, and school staff to ensure that fun was top of mind during this fundraiser. Even former students came out to volunteer their time in support of the community.
Over 100 families attended the event. This year’s fundraising proceeds will continue the work of previous councils and support a school-wide dance workshop, Scientists in School, new sandboxes for the Kindergarten yard and an entrance beautification project.
“The Polar Bear Fair really demonstrated how supportive and engaged the Bayview community is – so many families came out to enjoy the morning. It was all about fun, for everyone.” – Christina Copelli, Bayview School Council Chair and Fair Lead
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