Free to Play in Maskwacîs
Bringing Free to Play to Ermineskin Elementary has had a real impact on students and families.
As one staff member shared, “When I first saw the list of students… parents were like, ‘keep my kids another hour.’” There was an immediate need—and families were on board right away.
Since then, the program has become something meaningful for the school community. Staff emphasized how important it is, especially in a school where many students face challenges outside the classroom, such as trauma.
“This whole program… is so, so important,” they said. “A lot of our kids come from a place of trauma… our kids are unique that way.”
What’s stood out most is how students are showing up. There haven’t been the behavioural issues some expected—instead, students are engaged, active, and excited to be there.
Parents are feeling it too, knowing their kids have a safe place to go after school.
And for at least one student, the impact says everything: “This is the best day of my life.”
That’s what happens when barriers are removed and kids are given the chance to just play.
