ROYAL OAK SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
n the hallways of Royal Oak School, children hurry to put on their jackets as they head outside to play. Kindergarteners are abuzz with excitement as they learn and play inside the classroom. Students in another class sit at tables while their teacher gives instructions from the smartboard. Down another hallway, a small, quiet room offers something different.
Inside the sensory room, the sound of water trickles, bubbles flow through tubes, and a comfy bench encased in acrylic mirrors sits next to a colourful and interactive marble panel. There are buttons on the walls that change colour when pressed. On the floor, a rug of illuminated planets and stars is paired with soft, squishy gel tiles to step on or explore by hand. Staff say that watching toy fish bob inside the tubes and catching their own reflection in the mirrors have quickly become student favourites.
“We are excited to have a new sensory room at Royal Oak School,” says the school principal. “This calming and supportive environment provides some of our students with a dedicated space to meet their sensory and self-regulation needs.”
Students can choose what helps them feel calm – colourful stars projected on the ceiling, soothing music, or images cast on the wall of something they like, such as dogs or nature. Lights on the wall panel shift in rhythm with the music while soft vibrations hum through the bench speakers. These small yet thoughtful touches are meant to help students tune into their senses.
The sensory room, new this school year, was inspired by similar spaces in other CBE schools, the principal says. With help from staff, ROS students can visit it on their own or in small groups. The room complements the mini gym, another small and quiet space designed to help students regulate their emotions, energy levels, and focus.
With access to resources such as these, the principal hopes that “students can return to the classroom feeling more ready to engage in learning, build positive relationships, and experience greater success throughout their school day.”
But none of this happens without community support. Funding for spaces like these comes from school funds, the ROS Council, and the ROS Fundraising Society, with casino funds as the largest source. Casino proceeds also support field trip buses, journals, math and literacy supplies, residencies (Nature Play, inline skating, lacrosse, dance), iPads, robotics, Lego, and more. To secure casino funding this year, the ROS Fundraising Society needs a team of 40 volunteers. Please consider giving your time this December so that ROS students and their families continue to receive supports like these!
ROS CASINO FUNDRAISER | DEC 1 & 2, 2026
COWBOYS CASINO
Did you know? Learning enhancements at ROS like the sensory room are made possible in part by parents, guardians, and community members like you. Each casino volunteer shift contributes about $2,000 to ROS students! Please join the volunteer team helping raise up to $80,000 for ROS.
Available Shifts – Tues., Dec. 1
- Cashier: 11:15am-7:30pm
- General Manager, Banker: 6:45pm-3:45am
- Cashiers, Chip Runners: 6:45pm-3:30am
- Count Room Supervisor: 11:15pm-3:30am
Available Shifts – Wed., Dec. 2
- General Manager, Banker: 6:45pm-3:45am
- Chip Runners: 6:45pm-3:30am
- Count Room Staff: 11:15pm-3:30am
No experience necessary. Training provided. All volunteers receive a free meal at Cowboys Casino. Email ROSvolunteers@gmail.com for more information. All community members welcome!