St. Sebastian School’s New Outdoor Classroom
What a beautiful day we were blessed with on October 4th for the official opening of St. Sebastian’s new outdoor classroom. The Chaparral Community Association (CCA), with staff, students, community, and Calgary Catholic School Board supporters, unveiled this beautiful outdoor extension of learning, located just behind the school. Students now have an inspired place to learn, and the community has a tranquil spot to take a seat. Thank you to the administration and staff of St. Sebastian, including Principal Sheelagh Olson, and former Vice Principal Shawn Kingston (who the students were so excited to see), for championing the project, to reGenerate Design for bringing the natural space to life, and to the board and membership of the CCA for supporting the vision.
None of this work would be possible if it weren’t for the work of association presidents before me. Past President Tanya Maksymic was instrumental in securing the generous donation from BFI (now Waste Connections) that established the Community Enhancement Fund. Past President Cory Exner envisioned a relationship with our two community elementary schools and brought together the administration and parent councils to start our collaboration. I had the pleasure of working with Tanya and Cory on establishing the groundwork for the CCA Community Enhancement Fund and am honoured to carry on the work that created St. Sebastian’s and Chaparral Elementary School’s outdoor projects.
Message from Principal Sheelagh Olson:
The St. Sebastian School community was very excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting of their outdoor classroom on October 4th. It is an amazing space created by ReGenerate Designs and funded by the Chaparral Community Association. We hope that many groups in the community will come to the school grounds and enjoy the space. We ask that you help us take care of our outdoor classroom by ensuring that you treat the area with respect and not leave any garbage behind. A huge thank you to the Chaparral Community Association for helping to make this a reality.
Students engaged in many learning opportunities in October. Our children are encouraged to develop a growth mindset so that when they approach a new or challenging task, they view it as something they can’t do yet – but are willing to try. All students in the school are learning about their brains with the book, “Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain”. We are having fun learning new things all together! October was also busy with Thanksgiving and Halloween activities.
Sheelagh Olson
Principal – St. Sebastian School
Phone: 403-500-2116
Fax: 403-500-2316
