May 23, 2025
Biidaaban’s Grade 8 Class hosted a BBQ Lunch Fundraiser event on May 23, with canopied tents bearing the school name set up out front of the new school. The shelters came in handy since the weather that day was not the sun as expected, but rather a full-on steady spring rain. The volunteer parents, Grade 8 students, and classroom teachers/assistants were all on site lending a hand to pull off this complex and hugely popular event. Ms. Becky, donning a raincoat, was also seen diligently ferrying BBQ lunch items into the school to feed students, while the crew also managed to prepare BBQ fare to feed the line-up of community members present, and orders from various departmental staff! Great work everyone!
The students in Grade 8 had hosted many fundraising ventures throughout the school year – all of which were wonderfully supported by family and community members; miigwech – and included operating canteens at school sporting events, bake sales, Mr. Maracle’s pink hair dying challenge, and this BBQ fundraiser, which was advertised to the whole community to come out and support. The funds raised from the BBQ Lunch were destined to be used towards the year-end Grade 8 graduating class trip; a 5-day journey to Niagara Falls and Toronto! This group of dedicated students showed up and worked hard all year long towards raising funds to cover the costs of their amazing end-of year excursion, making it equitably accessible, and creating a lifetime of memories together with their peers.
The following is some of the feedback received from students and chaperones following their adventure, which included stops at Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill, the Rec Room arcade, Medieval Times, Canada’s Wonderland, Ripley’s Aquarium, countless food courts and restaurants enroute and much more. The trip entailed an early start from Biidaaban on the outbound day, and a late return back home. It is a long drive after all, but students were enthusiastically describing their experiences and what stood out to them and underscored that it was FUN!
Question: What was your favourite thing/part about the class trip?
- Canada's Wonderland was fun but scary - Brooklynn Toulouse
- Canada's Wonderland - the rides! - Gregory Wells
- Canada's Wonderland - the drops on the rides - Garett Southwind
- My favourite part was CW (Canada’s Wonderland) because I got to go on rides with my friends and the atmosphere was great that day - Anderson Bennett
- Medieval Times - I liked cheering and meeting new people - Aminah Boukhobza-Toulouse
- Ripley's Aquarium because of the Jellyfish and pufferfish displays! - Emily Trudeau
- Ripley's Aquarium because I loved the sharks - Sophia Toulouse
- I liked Medieval Times because the atmosphere was amazing - Stephanie Steinke (chaperone)
- I would have to say Medieval times because the food was awesome, the atmosphere uplifting and the animals were well trained. I loved getting to know the students better and become best friends with them xo - Jeannette Steinke (chaperone and number 1 EA in the world)
- My best memory of the Biidaaban school year was meeting my best friends. My fav part about the trip (year end) was Canada’s Wonderland. – Brooklynn
- My fav part of the trip was Canada’s Wonderland – going on the big rides for the first time. – Emmie
- It was lovely, tiring and eventful! I don’t want to do it next week again, but I am already looking forward to the fun the kids will have next year!” – Mr. Maracle
- My favourite place was Wonderland and Game Room (arcade in Niagara Falls called ‘Rec Room’) days. – Collins
- Wonderland! – Gregory
- 1. CN Tower 2. Rec Room 3. Aquarium 4. Go Karts on Clifton Hill 5. Niagara Falls 6. Medieval Times (chicken was good! And gift shop was cool) - Lincoln
Two great success stories wrapped up in one -- celebrating the Grade 8 graduating class year-end trip and their fund-raising efforts and creative ideas towards achieving their goal. Miigwech to the school staff and student body, community, family, and care-givers – for supporting the Grade 8s on this positive, character building, self-actualization opportunity!
