Outdoor classroom in the works for Westberry

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Westberry Elementary School is raising funds for a new and exciting project. Principal Chris Oscar said although their plans are at the earliest stages, soon they will be submitting a plan to the Sun West School Division for an outdoor classroom.

“We will be developing a learning space on our playground that blends in well with the outdoor environment, but at the same time, can be used as a learning area to hold classes outside on the warm spring and fall days,” Chris explained.

The School Community Council (SCC) has begun to raise funds for the project, which has already received generous donations from the community. The project has received funds from a couple of sources. Jaxon Georget, a Jr. Klipper, was chosen as Kindersley’s nominee for the RBC Community Ambassador Award, which comes with $1000 to be donated within the community. Jaxon decided to donate the funds to Westberry Elementary School’s project. This was followed by a donation of $1500 from G-Mac’s AgTeam in Kindersley, which will also go towards creating the school’s outdoor classroom.

“One of the excellent examples of a beautiful Outdoor Classroom is the one that Eaton School finished up in the fall of 2020,” Chris said. “Eaton’s School principal, Mrs. Lisa King, showcased her outdoor classroom to all of the school-based administrators in a recent South West School District meeting, and we were all very impressed with their final product.”

Westberry School is still checking into various options available; therefore, the actual final costs of the project are still unknown. However, the fundraising will continue to proceed, with plans for a virtual family bingo on Monday, May 24.

This event will be in conjunction with a pizza party. The SCC will be partnering with Panago Pizza in Kindersley on that day. Use of the promo code PANA15 will enable customers to receive 15% off any regular-priced menu item. Panago will then donate 15% of the net orders back to Westberry School.

Photo by Kate Winquist

Westberry School on the evening of April 21, 2021.