Vision

This year, our school took meaningful action to revitalize and expand our outdoor classroom and garden space—a place that blends environmental learning with community connection. Our goal was to enhance the space to promote sustainability and stewardship, and to reflect Indigenous perspectives of learning from the land.

Action

Students and staff worked collaboratively to clean up the space. This included planting pollinator-friendly perennials, revitalizing vegetable beds, making improvements to walking paths and seating areas. We used natural materials wherever possible and emphasized biodiversity in our plant choices, with the dual goal of supporting local ecosystems and reducing maintenance and water needs.

This action project directly supports sustainability and climate action by modeling how land can be used responsibly. The garden teaches students about food security, soil health, composting, water conservation, and the importance of native species. What inspired our students most was the chance to transform a space with their own hands. Many students voiced concerns about environmental degradation, climate anxiety, and disconnection from nature. This project gave them a sense of ownership and pride. As they planted grasses, shrubs, flowers and vegetables, they felt connected—to each other, to the land, and to their learning.

Reflection & Celebration

This project is important to our school community because it brings together diverse learners in a shared mission. It provides outdoor learning opportunities across subjects and grade levels, supports mental health through time in nature, and gives our school a tangible way to model the values of environmental stewardship. It’s also a space that welcomes families and community partners, building bridges beyond the classroom.