When Yousif Hanna fell on the playground and cut his knee while playing basketball on the first day of school, there was no need to go down to the principal’s office for bandage.

One of the teachers at W.J. Langlois Catholic Elementary School who happened to be nearby just reached into her fanny pack, pulled out a bandage and took care of the Grade 8 student.

“I said ‘Don’t worry buddy, I’ve got you covered,’” said Kim Hudon.

Hudon was able to tend to the situation quickly thanks to an initiative introduced by Principal Kelly Bull for the new school year which sees every staff member adorned with a purple fanny pack – known officially as a Care Package – emblazoned with the school’s ‘torches’ logo and stuffed with bandages, sanitary wipes, paper towels, gloves and tissues.

“They loved it,” Bull said when asked how her 40 staff members responded to the initiative. “It’s just about helping them out in the moment. They really thought it was a cool idea.”

Besides being able to help out students more immediately, Bull said she expects the idea will reduce the number of trips students make to the office for bandages and other supplies.

Spotted in WECDSB is a regular feature that showcases staff members who introduce innovative ideas that enhance the student experience. If you know someone who should be featured send an email to [email protected].