Page 7 - News On 7 June 2021

A community update on our new k-12 school! By: Tina Booth

This September will be filled with excitement and maybe just a little bittersweet as
students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 at Madoc Public School head over to
the newly renovated and inclusive k-12 consolidated school. The Kindergarten
classes have a brand-new addition and the classrooms and hallways look fresh and
bright from the pictures shown on Madoc Public School’s Facebook page.
I am very excited to announce that the Madoc Public School Peace Bell, which signals
a message of peace to the Village will move over with the students, it hasn’t been
decided where it will be placed but it will remain a beacon of Peace to the town!
The Bell was originally on the historic Madoc Model School and former Principal John
L. Murphy, who was the principal from 1959 till his retirement in 1988 was persistent
and instrumental in its installation on the elementary School. At noon the bell rung
for many years for those who wished to say a prayer of peace. I personally remember
waiting in line for my turn to pull the long rope to hear its loud ringing to signal the
end of recess and lunch time, it was an honor to be chosen for the task.

A committee of students, parents, community and staff from both schools
have been tasked with the renaming of our new k-12 consolidated school.
The committees have recommended that the school be renamed CENTRAL
HASTINGS SCHOOL to make it feel more inclusive to the feeder schools and
the broad area that our school services. This includes, Madoc, Marmora,
Tweed, Stirling as well as other communities. It is the hope that the new
name will be welcoming and supportive of all that attend it for years to come.
As we say farewell to our beloved school, Madoc Public School Maverick
families are able to purchase a keepsake yearbook for their final year in full
color to be delivered Fall 2021. The cost is a reasonable $25.00 please Call
Madoc Public School office to order yours today!