North Haven School is planning a schoolyard naturalization project called the North Haven Learning Grounds. Students have actively participated in planning the North Haven Learning Grounds, making observations of the schoolyard, and creating project designs.
The North Haven Learning Grounds goals include:
Creating a space for outdoor learning, exploration through play, and gathering.
Increasing biodiversity and natural habitat by planting hardy native species.
- Improving mobility options with accessible pathways.
- Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action to promote intercultural understanding.
Project coordination and funding is driven by the North Haven Parent Association. Updates on the project are posted on the Parent Association website, www.northhavenparentassociation.weebly.com
We are currently accepting donations on our website as well – all donations over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt thanks to our partnership with Parks Foundation Calgary.
Principal’s Message
The North Haven School Learning Grounds is a schoolyard naturalization project located at the heart of our community. The school initiated this project to inspire our students and families to appreciate our natural region of Canada, respect the Indigenous peoples of this territory, and maintain a healthy active lifestyle. As teachers, we have studied and experienced the fact that spending time in nature helps with recall and memory, problem solving, and creativity. Children (and adults) who spend more time outside are also physically and emotionally healthier.
We know that children learn best by experiencing and doing, and that spending time outside is the best way to begin to foster children’s relationship with nature.
We want our community members to have a space to learn about how their daily actions impact their natural environment and their personal health. Our goal is to teach in a natural environment so that students and their families will feel compelled to protect what they will come to understand and feel connected to, and to be active on a regular basis.
Our North Haven Learning Grounds Committee, the staff, and our students know that it is important to take collective action when tackling our most pressing environmental and personal health challenges. We have had tremendous support from community parents. A small group has joined together to raise funds and awareness. We’d like to thank them and all North Haven Community members for working together to make North Haven a great place to live and learn. Joining together to achieve a common goal can be a powerful force for change. We look forward to continued work on this project which has inspired a strong sense of community.
We would also like to thank our generous sponsors!• TD Friends of the Environment Foundation• Enbridge Fueling Futures• Field Law• Calgary Foundation• Parks Foundation Calgary• Tree Canada• LSF Action Fund
Sincerely,Lisa McConnellNorth Haven School Principal
