Outdoor Classroom

In addition to a significant meeting place, you may have seen classes during the day undertaking scientific investigations, or art and design lessons. Many of our returning families have seen the evolution of outdoor classroom. What some of our new families may not know is that our Outdoor Classroom, comprised of plantings, hardscaping, compost bins, and sites for sociability and learning, has been a successful project that has taught students, staff and community members about the three pillars of sustainability since 2008. The five different habitats contain over 400 indigenous plants, shrubs and trees to teach students about Manitoba’s habitats. Underneath our blanket of early winter snow, the gardens are connected by paving stone pathways that leads to a Medicine Wheel in the middle. This Medicine Wheel teaches students about the seven sacred teachings. Included throughout the gardens are items that are used for teaching specific curriculum outcomes such as lifecycle signs; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; the Seven Teachings; and the four directions and lessons (animals, seasons, elements, generations and spirituality) on the Medicine Wheel. 

Students, staff and the neighbouring community have been active partners in planning, developing, maintaining and utilizing our Outdoor Classroom. This green space has provided an alternative to the existing open play spaces and provides an interactive living classroom for our students, their families and the community to learn about native Manitoban plants, wildlife and the environment.

We have  continued the development of our Outdoor Classroom by installing picnic tables. The tables provide an inviting space for students to work, to eat lunches, for families to meet, and provide a comfortable place to enjoy the green space and outdoor activities. Check out our "Little Free Library".