Perth elementary school students knit hats for local newborns

Grade 5 and 6 students from The Queen Elizabeth School in Perth are learning to knit with the help of their teacher Graeme McTavish.

According to a media release shared with Lanarkist on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, the students are knitting hats for newborns and donating them to emergency departments and youth centres in Perth and the surrounding area.

“I’ve always enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching,” said McTavish. “I thought the scale of knitting newborn hats would make it an accessible activity for the kids. Knitting improves fine motor skills, focus and attention, sequencing, and mindfulness and has been a really positive activity for the class.”

To aid with this project, McTavish has been teaching the students math lessons in patterning and measurement. In addition, the students have been collecting donations from the community of soft, washable yarn. A local craft store, Perth Fabrics and Crafts has helped a lot with advice and supplies, the release noted.

“It’s super fun,” said student William Adams. “I like how you just move your hands, you just sit down and knit.”

The students have been making project plans, reflecting on the impact of their project, and developing an appreciation of crafting.

“I feel really good about it because I love making things for charities and helping other people,” said student Zoe Smith.

The students have been working on the hats throughout January, and now have a large number ready for donation.

“Students are looking forward to getting their creations into the hands, or on the heads, of newborns and people around the area and beyond,” said McTavish.

Community members interested in donating yarn can drop it off at The Queen Elizabeth School, 80 Wilson Street, Perth. Alternately, Mr. McTavish can arrange pickup. He can be reached at graeme.mctavish@ucdsb.on.ca.