New accessible playground at Caledon Central P.S. dedicated to Ellie Wratten

Community honours memory of  “fun-loving, wonderfully confident” former student 

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Students at Caledon Central Public School have an amazing new place to play.

On November 24, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the official naming of Ellie's Inclusive Play Space, a new accessible playground at the school.

It's named after Ellie Wratten, who died in a house fire alongside her mother Jenny Bullock on July 1, 2022.

Caledon Central's Principal, Lesley Kennedy, led the ceremony, which was attended by Wratten's family and friends, school staff, Caledon OPP, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services, Peel District School Board Trustee Stan Cameron, and Caledon Councillors Christina Early, Dave Sheen and Lynn Kiernan.

Kennedy said the gathering was both celebratory and sorrowful.

“We celebrate the opening of our awesome new fully-inclusive and accessible play space… as we remember the beautiful, fun-loving, wonderfully confident and brave Ellie Wratten,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy has been Caledon Central's principal for two years and said when she first arrived at the school, she realized it needed a playground where every child could play with their peers.

She said thanks to Caledon Central's school Council, families, and community partners, a large amount of money was raised for a new playground in a short amount of time.

That took place in the spring of 2022, and students went on summer break looking forward to a new playground. Over the summer, excitement was overtaken by sadness as the community learned of the passing of Wratten and Bullock.

“Our school community grieved that summer and fall as we gathered to remember Ellie in many different ways,” said Kennedy. “It didn't take long for many of our staff, friends and families to reach out and suggest we name our new inclusive accessible play space in honour and memory of Ellie.”

Kennedy said she's heard so many stories about Ellie's spunk, confidence, and beautiful eyes. She said the inclusive playground is the perfect way to honour her, because Ellie understood the importance of inclusion.

“Ellie grew up knowing that people are unique… she knew to include people in the play,” said Kennedy. “She knew that our uniqueness and ability shouldn't mean exclusion, but rather inclusion, and she lived this loving reality through her mom, her extended family and her supportive grandparents.”

Wratten's uncle, Ryan, attended the ceremony and shared some words on behalf of his family. He thanked the school community for honouring Ellie's memory.

“Ellie was a very curious girl, she loved going to school and she loved playing with others. There really is no more fitting way to honour her than to name this playground after her at Caledon Central,” he said.

He said it's amazing to think for years to come, kids will have a safe and fun place to play together. 

“My family and I are still so very appreciative and humbled by all that this community has done for us,” he said. “What a great community.”