CANORA - Canora Junior Elementary School is in the midst of a fundraising drive intended to “create safe, respectful, accessible, and participatory learning environments,” according to Principal Shawna Stangel.
The project includes a proposed gazebo-style outdoor classroom as well as a bucket swing and a regular swing.
First and foremost, Stangel said the goal is ensure that every one of the school’s students can access outdoor learning and play.
“Outdoor classrooms bring learning to life. An outdoor classroom is a space that brings learning outside. It becomes a gathering place for teachers and students, and provides an opportunity to integrate nature into our school grounds.
“The goal of the outdoor classroom is simple: to increase the quantity, quality, and benefits of outdoor experiences for children. But this does not only support structured adult-led outdoor activities. Children also need opportunities to initiate their own activities. They need to explore, imagine, try new things, and learn alone or with friends.”
Stangel said children with disabilities benefit from free, unstructured play just as other children do, and they have a right to equal opportunities.
“An inclusive playground removes barriers between kids, despite any differences, and gives them the chance to play and grow together as they should. Inclusive play makes opportunities available to all children, regardless of ability and background. We believe children should all have the chance to play together. All children benefit from being outside, interacting with their environment, learning from nature, and developing through play.”
An important component of this initiative is to recognize the diverse learning profiles of students and the community.
“CJES intends to expand education outside the walls of the school, into our natural environment with the use of an outdoor classroom,” continued Stangel. “The goal and hope of the program is that by using alternative teaching methods that incorporate the environment, land-based education practices, and incorporating First Nations, Métis and Inuit teachings will instill in our learners a newfound appreciation and love of education as we all become better stewards of the land.”
Stangel reports that they are well into the second year of fundraising efforts for the outdoor classroom and swing project.
“We have done OK with the fundraising getting us to a current total of $28,113.88. We are, however, still in need of funds to support us breaking ground, as our total estimate of the project cost is over $70,000.”
CJES has applied for a number of grants, scholarships, and funds in the hopes of becoming the recipient of donations.
“Our School Community Council is amazing and has also been instrumental in helping us out with fundraising efforts,” said Stangel, ”but they can only do so much with hot lunches and barbecues. And, with such a small number of families within our very active and busy community, it becomes difficult to continually ask for funds and be creative in how we do that.”
With that in mind, Stangel is hopeful that a focused March drive might help boost the total funds raised, “so that we can begin the project this spring to ensure its completion and use by fall. We will be canvassing the business community in the coming weeks, going door to door in the hopes of also drumming up a few more dollars. We would be happy to accept any donation (monetary or in kind) from any organization, corporation, business, farm, ranch, or person willing to support our school.”
Receipts for monetary donations are available, according to Stangel.
For more information on the Inclusive Outdoor Classroom and Swing or if you or your business, company, organization, or family would like to donate to the project, contact Principal Shawna Stangel at 306-563-6511 or email at [email protected]
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