MOOSE JAW — The sun was shining over Elgin Park recently as the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 5512 hosted a community barbecue, offering free hamburgers grilled by President Bill Johnston and his team — which were confirmed to be quite delicious — along with iced tea to the public.
The event brought together local families, students, and school staff for a fun-filled early afternoon of games, food, and conversation. CUPE 5512, which represents support staff for the Prairie South School Division, organized the barbecue as a way to connect with the community and show appreciation for its support throughout the school year.
“We're here just to be with the community, to do some community outreach, and just to say ‘Hi,’” said Dianne Rasmussen, the recording secretary of CUPE 5512 and administrative assistant at Sunningdale School. "We have some swag, we have some games — it's just a thank you to the community, bringing us all together at the end of the school year."
The event, sponsored by CUPE Saskatchewan, provided free hamburgers and hot dogs for all attendees. "CUPE Saskatchewan is the sponsor for it, so they pay for all the hamburgers and hot dogs and we supply the workers," Rasmussen explained.
A warm and sunny morning, followed by an early afternoon, saw a steady turnout of a few dozen guests. Many families from the adjacent water park stopped by to grab a quick lunch, visit with school staff, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
“It's been pretty great; it has been very steady, which is good to see," Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen also used the event to highlight the essential role that support staff play in local schools. "Support staff is the heart of our schools, and that's how we promote it. We're not just there for helping — we are the heart. We're essential workers," she said, emphasizing the vital contributions made by the staff members who work behind the scenes in Prairie South schools.
CUPE 5512 represents more than 300 permanent and casual support staff working for the Prairie South School Division No. 210. The union’s members work in a variety of roles that are crucial to the day-to-day operations of local schools, including administrative assistants, concession workers, educational assistants, facility operators, handymen, and skilled tradespeople such as journey-person carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. Other members serve as library associates and technicians, maintenance workers, school support workers, and speech language pathologist assistants, all contributing to the smooth functioning of the division.
The community barbecue marked the end of the school year for many families in the region, offering a chance for both school staff and the public to come together and celebrate the end of a successful academic year.
For more information about CUPE 5512, visit 5512.CUPE.ca.
