Our Lady of Sorrow School

Outdoor Classroom/Educational Garden

Last September, our school received word that we had been awarded a $9000.00 grant to begin the process of transforming an underutilized outdoor space into an outdoor learning space with a teaching garden.

Upon receiving the grant, we began to negotiate how the funds would be allocated.  Safety was our first priority and we have arranged to have the area fenced in to protect our students, gardens and associated materials.  Next, we have made arrangements for a watering system to be installed as access to water will be crucial to a healthy and sanitary outdoor learning space.  Next, we will install garden boxes, seating and plant some shade trees.  

The initiation of this project has inspired our community.  The culture of our neighbourhood and school families is one of growing and gardening.  Our neighbours have healthy and vibrant gardens and the majority of our families participate in both ornamental and food gardening.  The notion of extending this to our school to include an outdoor classroom and garden was warmly received.  The school began fundraising efforts to fortify our grant and we have received donations of plants and some other equipment.

The staff is also considering the possibilities for this area as a learning space.  There are obvious scientific and mathematical connections; however, they are also planning for artistic and literary connections as well. Most significantly, however, are the plans for this space to support the mental health of our students. Post-pandemic, our community is craving a place to practice mindfulness and to connect with the natural world. 

Students have been challenged to consider the design of the outdoor classroom and we launched a contest for the students to design a garden space.  Many of our senior students have submitted plans.  

We are so grateful to the Allardyce Bower Foundation for launching this exciting endeavour for our school.  We anticipate many years of authentic and rich learning experiences and nurturing a generation of students who respect and appreciate the natural world and understand the importance of protecting it.