Students and staff at St. Michael Catholic School community in Ridgetown are making the most of their new outdoor classroom.
The outdoor venue, which has been used since the start of the school year, was officially unveiled by the St. Clair Catholic District School Board last week.
St. Michael’s outdoor classroom is the latest project for the St. Clair Catholic Board, expanding the resource to school communities across the district.
“We are excited to have this new resource available for our students to enjoy,” said Kelly Van Boxtel, Principal of St. Michael Catholic School. “Learning outdoors leads to an increased curiosity and interest in science and nature and a better understanding of the environment and appreciation of God’s creation, along with the added benefit of improved emotional and physical wellness that comes with physical activity.”
Teachers sign up on a master schedule to take their students outside to enjoy the fresh air for various classes.
A canopy provides shade during sunny days, while the artificial turf surface is designed to drain water quickly during rainstorms so students can use the classroom shortly after the rain stops.
The venue will also be usable during the winter as students participate in outside activities to get out in the fresh air daily when weather permits.
Along with regular classes, the outdoor venue is being used for the ‘Buddy’ program, where older and younger classes pair up to read together.
The outdoor classroom is also available for individual ‘quiet time,’ such as reading, Christian meditation and reflection, personal breaks, work on gratitude journals and for students to enjoy nature.
Classroom prayer services will also take place in the venue, while in the spring, the outside classroom will be an ideal setting for growing plants and vegetables in the planter boxes.
“Creativity is endless,” Mrs. Van Boxtel said. “The outdoor classroom will allow us to expand educational opportunities for our students and add variety to our learning, which goes beyond the traditional classroom setting.”
“Just being outdoors is just so wonderful, and the curiosity to see the ideas the teachers use to use the classroom is incredible,” she said.
The Board chose the location for the classroom in an unused portion at the front of the school, which is adjacent to the library. The site also offers visibility during off-hours and lighting from the street at night to deter vandalism.
There was pushback from some community members because three trees were cut down to accommodate the venue. The wood from the trees was recycled to create logs and tables for kindergarten students in the playground area. The Board is also planting six new mature trees in the back schoolyard.
