Donated skating gear provides Canadian experience for new students at Ottawa school

An Ottawa elementary school has received a big donation of equipment soits students many of them new Canadianscan make the most of a nearby city skating rink.

Carson Grove Elementary School in Gloucesterwelcomed the donation of 70 pairs of skates and 60 helmets Friday, and students were eager to try out the new equipment on the ice at Carson Grove Park, a city facility located right beside the school.

• Syrian boys fall in love with Canada's game, win a few fans

The donation was made possible by TD Direct Investing Ottawa, the SensFoundation, Canadian Tire, and the Ottawa Network for Education.

"It's really kind of them," said Grade 5 studentInezaRulezi. "It's fun, and I really enjoy skating!"

Carson Grove is home to more than 300 students, and one third of them are Syrian refugees, according to Principal Irene Cameron.

"It behooves us to give them as many Canadian experiences as possible," said Cameron, pointing out that many students' parents are unable to provide their childrenwith skates and hockey equipment as they focus on settling here in Canada.

"Giving newcomers opportunities is where it's at," she added.

Providing a 'Canadian' experience

Grade 1 teacher Elaine Graham says in the past, the school didn't have enough skates to go around for physicaleducation class or field trips to the Rideau Canal Skateway. She often had to buy extra pairs and helmets at garage sales, so she's thankful for the donation.

"To me, it's essential," she said. "We have a lot of refugees and immigrant families, and they come from warm climates, and they find [the cold weather]really oppressive, some of the adults.

"We make a big deal about being outside in all seasons, and how fun is it to have a rink beside your school?"

Grade 5 student Cassandra Mahoneybelieves it's very important to provide a "Canadian" experience for her new schoolmates. "Some of them might not know how to skate, or it might be their first time," she said.

Despite some shaky legs and a few spills on the ice, Cameron was delighted to see so many of her students making the most of the new skates and helmets.

"It's just over-the-moon awesome. Just watching those smiling faces, and watching how well they're doing after one or two skating sessions, it's just amazing."