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PRINCE GEORGE – A longtime retired teacher from Vanway Elementary passed away a few years ago.
In her honour, the teacher’s family donated to the school where she had taught for three decades.
During this pandemic, the donation couldn’t have come at a better time.
The donation went to installing a new outdoor classroom, which has become the most popular area on the school’s ground.
COVID has changed the way elementary students go back to school.
For the students and teachers at Vanway school, having the first outdoor learning space during a pandemic offers more teaching and learning opportunities.
“When the weather is right, I aim to take my students to the outdoor learning space daily.”
John Bowes
The benches and chair installation was completed just in time for this school season.
At times the area is used for staff meetings and by residents in the area.
According to John Bowes having his students breathe in the fresh air and experience nature close up makes for a better learning environment.
School District 57 says there are plans to have more outdoor learning spaces at other elementary schools within the district.
