This has meant many interesting interactions with the world outside of the classroom. Students made bannock and cooked it in the campground. Some helped with the town planting on June 8. There was a car wash held on Friday, June 4, in which family and teacher cars were washed, limited to that because of COVID restrictions, in which money was donated to Westman Animal Rescue, Canadian Foodgrains Bank and to this years’ graduating class.
Emberly added there were even moves into the high school. They did a “Walk on Water” day, actually two days with one for the 9/10 cohort and one for the 11/12 cohort. Students would walk in small groups within their cohorts to different stations including water balloons, a slip and slide, and others, which connected to physical education.
“It was great to see the high school students get to have some fun outdoors as well.”
The principal said they have been aiming at more outdoor learning for some time, but COVID helped them see the value of what they were doing on many levels. She added teachers are creative and are good at “deepening” educational experiences.
“We are hoping our students develop more of an interest in the outdoors. Many children spend a lot of time on video games right now because it is one of the ways they can connect with their peers. We want to remind them that there is a lot of fun outdoors too and encourage exploration and creativity in a COVID safe way. Additionally, being out in the sunshine can have a positive effect on everyone’s mental health.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff