Dear Gardenview Administration,
Following Friday’s tournament, we wanted to reach out on behalf of several parents involved with the Gardenview Hockey Team to express how much we would love to see this initiative continue.
What began as an idea to honour Javi’s memory has quickly become something very meaningful for the Gardenview community. With 29 participating students and many parents volunteering their time to coach, assist and help organize, the enthusiasm surrounding the team has been incredible. Friday’s tournament really highlighted what this experience can bring to our children: school spirit, teamwork, physical activity, new friendships, and a wonderful sense of community among students and families.
We also want to recognize the tremendous amount of time, energy and persistence that Anthony and the other volunteer coaches have put into getting the team this far. The opportunity for the students to participate in Friday’s tournament was very much appreciated by the families, and it was wonderful to see the children proudly representing Gardenview.
We understand that there are administrative considerations that need to be addressed, including the presence of a staff member at practices and insurance requirements. We hope that, together, we can continue exploring possible solutions that would allow the team to move forward.
A few possibilities have already been raised, including:
- determining whether any Gardenview staff member might be interested in supporting the team;
- exploring whether Anthony could have an appropriate volunteer or other recognized role with EMSB that could satisfy the necessary requirements;
- considering whether another arrangement could be established for supervision, insurance and access to the free municipal ice time; and
- looking ahead at how the program could eventually involve current or future Gardenview staff who may be interested in supporting school hockey.
Our hope is that, given the significant interest from students and families and the commitment already surrounding this project, all reasonable options can continue to be explored. There is already so much in place: enthusiastic students, committed families, dedicated volunteer coaches, available municipal ice time, and most importantly, a strong desire to create something positive that brings the Gardenview community together while honouring Javi’s memory.
We truly believe this team has the potential to become something very special for Gardenview and that could continue for years to come.
Thank you for your consideration and for the support that has already been provided. We sincerely hope we can work together to find a way to keep the Gardenview Hockey Team on the ice and allow this wonderful project to continue growing.
Warmly,
on behalf of Gardenview Hockey Team families