Valleycliffe Elementary Outdoor Classroom
Welcome to the SD48 Learning Hub!
This blog-style webpage features projects from schools across our district that demonstrate our common goal for educational excellence:
"We will create safe, purposeful and powerful learning environments in order that all students can think critically, create, collaborate, contribute and learn."
Valleycliffe Elementary School’s Outdoor Classroom began in 2014 when students, parents, and teachers reclaimed neglected school land and created natural spaces for outdoor learning: a world-class ephemeral wetland, a pollinator meadow, and a forested area (over 2000 plants and trees were planted!). An edible garden and a pollinator garden were also created at this time.
Ephemeral wetland sign generously created by Rhonda O’Grady, the inspiration behind the Outdoor Classroom.
These diverse zones are on the Traditional Territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation, and in 2018 an additional treasure was added, an Indigenous Plant Trail. It was installed with the support of traditional knowledge-keepers, students, staff, and families. Additional native plants were planted in 2021, with signage created by students.
In 2021, a collaboration began with Squamish CAN to bring expertise about sustainable, organic food growing to our students. In observance of First People’s Principles of Learning, we are learning through reciprocal relationships and creating a strong sense of place, inquiring into the many interconnections that create a nourishing web of life in our incredibly alive schoolyard.
The reclaimed spaces in the Outdoor Classroom have become important habitats to many reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds, including multiple Species at Risk: Western Toads, Red-Legged Frogs, and Little Brown Myotis (little brown bat). To protect these precious creatures we are learning the importance of biodiversity, ensuring both our gardening practices and stewardship activities contribute to thriving schoolyard ecosystems.
We want to promote enduring appreciation for the intricate living connections that support us all. It is our heartfelt mission to care for these precious spaces and creatures as we learn how to be well and thrive together.
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In 2021, a collaboration began with Squamish CAN to bring expertise about sustainable, organic food growing to our students. In observance of First People’s Principles of Learning, we are learning through reciprocal relationships and creating a strong sense of place, inquiring into the many interconnections that create a nourishing web of life in our incredibly alive schoolyard.
The reclaimed spaces in the Outdoor Classroom have become important habitats to many reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds, including multiple Species at Risk: Western Toads, Red-Legged Frogs, and Little Brown Myotis (little brown bat). To protect these precious creatures we are learning the importance of biodiversity, ensuring both our gardening practices and stewardship activities contribute to thriving schoolyard ecosystems.
We want to promote enduring appreciation for the intricate living connections that support us all. It is our heartfelt mission to care for these precious spaces and creatures as we learn how to be well and thrive together.