KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
The Grade 6A students at Longue Sault Public School have become enterprising entrepreneurs to raise funds to beautify their school’s bathrooms. With guidance from their teacher Kathryn Fawthrop, the students have ventured into making a one-of-a-kind soap, crafted with a unique scent only for Longue Sault PS.
Working with Angela Youngs from Ground Soap in Cornwall, the students participated in this Real-World Project (RWP) to learn about the soap making process and develop a limited-edition soap bar. With over 15 years of experience making soap, including being the only Canadian company to be recognized for using the cleanest ingredients and best manufacturing practices, Ground Soap was the perfect partner for the custom product.
As a student-led project, the scent, logo, packaging and marketing were designed by the 6A class, with guidance from Youngs.
The newly created soap is called “Howl & Shine,” named with the school’s mascot, the wolf, in mind. Youngs said the students came prepared with thoughtful questions and great suggestions, having clearly done their research before starting the project. “Kate Fawthrop’s class totally wowed me with their “pitch”; all dressed up, so welcoming and professional,” said Youngs. “They had all put so much thought, hard work and heart into this… just like an entrepreneur!”
Thirty different essential oils were shared, with each student having the opportunity to smell and think about their preference. “It wasn’t difficult for the group to settle on lemon essential oil, as it’s a scent most people naturally enjoy,” said Youngs. “But then one student raised their hand and suggested adding a touch of pine essential oil to the blend. We were a bit skeptical at first, as we’d never used that combination before, but it ended up lifting the lemon just slightly and making the scent even more refreshing,” said Youngs. “It was a fantastic idea!”
For over ten years, Ground Soap has helped schools, such as Glengarry District High School, Viscount Alexander and L’Heritage Secondary School, along with local groups in SDG, with fundraising programs to help purchase equipment, support a school trip or beautify outdoor classrooms. This soap making venture, initiated by Fawthrop, with the assistance of Principal Jen Carr, at Longue Sault PS, was a first-time collaboration with a school to develop a custom soap recipe.
This real-world project gives students the chance to explore and see how personal interests can become career. “It’s incredibly refreshing to see teachers and principals taking action and thinking creatively,” said Angela Youngs. “If I had been exposed to project like this when I was young, it would have been a game changer for me. I loved chemistry in high school, but I struggled to see how it connected to anything I was truly interested in.” As well, the excitement of the Grade 6A students from Longue Sault Public School for the soap making project gave the gift of renewed enthusiasm that Angela Youngs discovered she needed.
Through the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Amplify Survey, the board discovered students’ concerns for the limited privacy in school bathrooms, vandalism and lack of supplies.
The students in 6A plan to improve their own washrooms from the proceeds of sales of their soap. The soap is available for purchase at the Long Sault Pharmacy, the South Stormont Township office and will be sold to the school’s community.
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