Westberry is raising funds for outdoor classroom

By Joan Janzen

Westberry Elementary School SCC has been fundraising for a number of years with the goal of starting construction of an outdoor classroom. “We have a very generous community!” Principal Katilyn Gibbons said. “Everyone who has purchased from our fundraising initiatives has helped to support this project.”

A recent donation of $3500 from Whitecap Resources will help with building costs, as well as an earlier donation of $1000 received from Vermillion Energy to pay for raised planters. It’s hoped construction will begin in the spring. “We will have to build in phases, as we can afford to do so,” Katilyn explained.

The outdoor classroom will be located on the north side of the school between the soccer field and the school. It will include a concrete pad, permanent roof, picnic tables, raised garden planters, and a learning circle area.

The addition of an outdoor classroom will provide opportunities for outdoor, hands-on learning connected to curriculum, Katilyn said. “This will also be a space that we can use to build relationships between school and home by scheduling outdoor meetings or hosting family engagement activities.”

Greg Dionne presented a donation of $3500 on behalf of Whitecap Resources for Westberry School’s outdoor classroom project. Principal Katilyn Gibbons and Celene Longmire gratefully accepted the generous donation.