Dear Editor
For more than 50 years, students have called Daniel Woodward elementary their second home, and families in the neighbourhood have been drawn together there building a strong sense of community.
However, as the parents and students of the school had just celebrated their main event of the year, the spring fair, which raised more than $7,300, they are worried that the school may soon be closed.
Woodward school has been earmarked by the Richmond School District as one of the potential schools to be shut down this year.
I am not only concerned that the award-winning school, which was recognized by the district for its eco-wise initiatives, may be lost, but also the closure would have a huge impact on the sense of community that the school has established over the years.
The school has created many activities and traditions for families in the area; including the Shellmont Community Christmas Parade and Earth Day Green Games. As well, members of the community frequently use the recently installed playground, exercise track and landscaped school grounds that were built with the help of a large donation from a community donor, a grant from the B.C. government and the help of the City of Richmond.
Woodward was also fortunate to receive garden beds which were paid for by a sustainability grant from the Richmond School District.
Also, the school was awarded a water bottle refilling station by the district as a recognition of all of the great eco-wise initiatives they have at the school.
It would be so unfortunate to close Woodward school when the district has invested so much in it. I hope they will reconsider the value and the commitment this community has put into the school.
It is such a great community and neighbourhood.
Marjorie Chu
Richmond
