October 16th, 2014

What is a Buddy Bench? It’s a bench students can go to if they are in need of a friend or someone to play with. Sitting on the bench lets other students know that they are lonely, whether they are shy or new to the school and don’t feel comfortable asking to be a part of an activity. The idea of the buddy bench was first introduced in 2013 by Christian, an elementary student in Pennsylvania, PA.

Ethan VandeKuyt, a grade 4 student at Pioneer Park Public School, presented the idea of bringing a Buddy Bench to his school’s Parent Council. He saw other kids who were lonely on the playground and wanted to do something about it. Parent Council approved his idea and fundraised for two red buddy benches.

Principal Mr. Kitamura awarded Ethan with the Pioneer Park Buddy Bench Hero award last Friday in an assembly. The school strives to be a place where everyone feels welcomed, accepted and encouraged to be who they are. Loneliness has no place at Pioneer Park PS.

Congratulations to Ethan for being this week’s CTV Kitchener’s Local Hero!

 

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Ethan receiving his Pioneer Park Buddy Bench Hero award!

 

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Making friends on the new Buddy Bench.

 

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Members of the Parent Council committee who approved Ethan’s idea.

 

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One of two Buddy Benches at Pioneer Park Public School!