Students from Glen Falls School in Saint John were inspired by the process of making toilet paper, and their inspiration eventually led them to tour the Irving Tissue plant in Dieppe. The grade four class was learning how to ask scientific questions, which encouraged their interest in the process of making toilet paper.

"Through our PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools) program, Irving Tissue was informed that students from Glen Falls were studying toilet paper and the science behind it, so we decided to bring them in and show them the process," said Mike Dixon, Converting Operations Leader at Irving Tissue Dieppe.

The tour showed the most recent addition of equipment, including the laser guided vehicles as well as the lab, which showed the students how to test the paper to ensure the best quality.

“I liked the laser-guided machines, and it was really cool when they picked up the stacks of toilet paper,” said Maddy, grade four student from Glen Falls School. “It really helped us learn what happens behind the scenes at a toilet paper factory."

Students were also motivated to create jingles for their own bathroom tissue brand. The jingles were presented to and judged by the Irving Tissue team.

“This tour connected the things we've been doing in class to real-world applications. You have opened 24 young minds, who can now imagine a life full of possibilities,” said Kathleen Hamilton Doiron, Grade Four Teacher at Glen Falls School.

PALS is a community initiative founded in 2000 by James K. Irving, in partnership with the local school district in Saint John. Since the program was founded, it has grown to more than 30 schools and 140 partners across New Brunswick. It has improved the personal and academic lives of thousands of children in the local community.

J.D. Irving, Limited affiliates partner with several schools in New Brunswick through the PALS program, including Centennial, St. Patrick’s, Glen Falls, Prince Charles and St. Malachy’s schools in Saint John, and Lou MacNarin School in Dieppe.

Irving Tissue Saint John partners with St. Patrick’s School and Irving Tissue Dieppe is one of the JDI Moncton partners for  Lou MacNarin School.