Spring tea in Dunstable

It is about bringing kids and adults together, says Dunstable School principal Tammy Tkachuk.

Dunstable School hosted its annual spring tea on May 3 and more than 50 people turned out for the event. In addition to PHSB trustee Kerry McElroy, RCMP Const. Robert Hynes and former Dunstable and current Fort Assiniboine School principal Lorna Hiemstra were present.

Students performed various songs, including three students’ original compositions on orff instruments and Hynes performed a rendition of an East Coast song entitled “A Chemical Worker’s Song”.

McElroy honoured Daphne and David Dowbush, volunteers who support the school’s breakfast and hot lunch program, with the Exemplary Community Partnership Award. Program assistant Wiebke Benefeldt was honoured for 11 years spent at Dunstable School and Cathy Dick was honoured for 20 years.

“Daphne and David began volunteering in the school when their grandchildren were in attendance and while they no longer have any enrolled, they have adopted the staff and students as members of their family, planning monthly meal menus, grocery shopping, delivering food and prepare all of the meals,” McElroy said of the Dowbushs, adding he believed it would not be possible to run either of the school’s meal-based programs without the support of community members like them.

Speaking about Benefeldt, McElroy said the relationship she has built with the students has made a difference in the lives of many.

“While she may have to be the ‘bad guy’ reminding kids to return their books or to get back to work when their attention wanders, she always does so in a patient and kind-hearted manner. Teachers and students alike have benefited from her dedication and hardwork, as well as her willingness to always lend a hand.”

McElroy said it would be difficult to imagine Dunstable without Benefeldt.

And with respect to Cathy Dick, McElroy said there had been serious doubts as to whether the school could continue to function when she retired in December.

“For 20 years, she worked to help kids learn and grow. In any day, [Cathy] did a thousand little jobs that no one realized she was doing and if you ever wanted to know how something was done or what had been tried before, she was the person to ask. 20 years of service is an amazing accomplishment,” he said.

Tkachuk agreed.

“We will miss them both terribly next year but they are more than welcome to come back to see us,” she said.