St. David School opened in September 1944 at 350 Jean Street in "The Donovan". At that time, it served "The Donovan" and "Little Britain" whose population was a microcosm of the Canadian mosaic. The population was comprised of Canadians of the following ethnic backgrounds: Croatian, Serbian, Italian, Polish, Ukrainian, Irish, French, Lithuanian and British. Today the multi-cultural flavour of the Donovan remains but the mix now includes First Nations families. The first principal of St. David was Sister Corona of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The school housed both french and english students. The original building is the centre part of the present school. In 1950, an addition was made to the school. The first floor, which today houses the administration offices, was added. Later on the gymnasium and changeroom washrooms were added. Today the school has a student body that reflects the ethnic diversity of the community it serves. The geographic area St. David serves today has also been expanded to include the "Flour Mill" which is the centre of Sudbury's Francophone population. It is also interesting to note that approximately 40% of St. David School population is now comprised of First Nations children. As a result the native language Ojibwe is now offered as part of the curriculum to those students who opt for it. St David offers a full range of educational opportunities from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, including special learning centres and resource education for identified students. St. David - An off the wall school! If you stroll around the inside of St. David school, you will be struck by the colorful murals and portraits which tell the story of Canada from pre-Columbian to the present. These murals highlight major historical events which helped to shape Canada as we know it today. The portraits on the walls show the men and women who have made significant contributions to Canada's history. Each mural is titled and described in labels placed at eye-level beside it. At present we have 7 murals and 7 portraits on the wall. The cost to paint a mural or portrait is $15 a square foot. To pay for these murals, we undergo extensive fund raising programs of selling chocolate bars, raffles and yard sales. In addition we partner with private sector enterprises in our community and they contribute annually to our St. David Peace Tree. Also we invite parents of St David students to purchase a square foot or more of mural space.   About the St David Peace Garden David's Peace Garden has truly become a community project with staff, students, parents and various funding/volunteer partners helping to make our dreams a reality Beginning with Phase I of our project, trees were planted along the north and south boulevards of the school, with a variety of northern species being utilized. These trees were chosen with the following criteria in mind: a) Northern hardiness, b) Shade ability, and, c) Natural beauty as well as variety of shape, leaf form and seed production. (An itemized cost appraisal of the trees is included in lieu of an invoice.) Phase II followed with the strategic placing of limestone benches around the schoolyard to take advantage of existing and developing shade areas. In addition to providing the students with a place to sit and rest, the benches provide students a place to admire nature. These benches are crafted from Manitoulin Island stone, contain the fossilized remains of many plants and animals indigenous to the locality in eons long past, and as such may be used by science classes as well. Additionally, six large concrete planters were installed in the schoolyard, filled with soil and planted with tulips to bloom in the spring and then an assortment of colourful annuals for summer & fall flowering. Many students from several grade levels assist with planting, weeding, watering, and maintenance of these planters, taking great pride in their work. Phase III, the purchase of playground equipment has been deferred while the Council explores fundraising options as well as grant monies for this huge expenditure. However, in keeping with the plans for the yard, Phase III was looked at again and modified with the council purchasing out-door tetherball poles & balls which have been installed for the use of students. New basketball hoops, removable at the end of the day have been installed, as well as an immense sand box which was recently provided to the younger children in their play area. Additionally, new games have been painted on the paved portion of the yard. To continue with our yard plans, a part sun / part shade area of the yard, already existing as a small green space, was developed with several species of flowering shrubs and vines being planted as well as three new flowerbeds. The flowers in the gardens are a mix of perennials that will perform year after year, as well as annuals, planted by our students. In addition, the chain link fense along one expanse of our side yard was planted with two species of northern-hardy flowering vine and a third species, non-flowering, but impressive with its' fall colouring, equally as hardy. It is hoped that these vines will thrive, creating a living wall of beauty, shade giving, and of respite value to our residential neighbours. Many classrooms took advantage of our growing program and the students planted seeds, nurturing them and watching them grow on classroom windowsills before transplanting them to the out-of-doors, a first time experience for most of our urban students. Some success was achieved when a display of Sweet Peas and Morning glory graced the chain link fencing in another area. The Yard Committee maintains its' commitment to helping children discover the wonders and joys of the natural world around them as well as helping to build their understanding and appreciation for the environment that we all must share. It is our hope that through the care and concern of dedicated partners we can continue along our course. Our Sponsors Our sponsors are most generous to St. David School and we recognize them on our walls, in our monthly calendar and in our quarterly newsletter. Our sponsors are: L.I.U.N.A. Local 493 Crosco Truck Shop Photo World Plumbing Warehouse E.R. Plumbing & Heating Human Resource Solutions Donovan Automotive Service Bright Spot Cleaners Skakoon Hardware Topper's Pizza Canadian Waste We are always looking for new partners and any individual or Businesses who are interested should contact Mr. Dan Stargratt V.P. at St. David School at (705) 674-4096.