School Memorial and Aspen Grove
by Amanda W, Edyn M, Kaitlyn E and Connor W
Nine new aspen trees were added to the Natureground on June 4th. Over the years of their learning journey, the students at Dr. Coffin School will be able to observe the young trees as they grow and mature. Thank you to the Environment Committee and the team of volunteers who took time the weekend before the trees arrived to dig the holes for the new aspen trees. As the trees mature, they will provide much needed shade for visitors to the Natureground and playground space.
In addition to the trees, a memorial bench was installed in the aspen grove. This bench is to honour Camille Kestner, a former teacher of Dr. Coffin School. The bench blends into its natural surroundings—it is almost as though it has always been there. The bench and aspen trees are a magnificent addition to the beautiful Natureground.
On the afternoon of Monday June 18th, Dr.Coffin School students held a ceremony in honour of Ms. Kestner, their former teacher who passed away three years earlier. To honour the dedication, Ms. Kestner’s family as well as a former teacher and principal, Mr. Toews came to share this moment with the school.
The students honoured Camille Kestner by sharing their favourite memories of the loving and caring she showed to students while she was a Dr. Coffin teacher. One Grade 6 student reflected, “Ms.Kestner never asked if you didn’t know how to spell something. She filled everybody with joy and helped you no matter what.” Another student remembered, “She came into school every morning with a smile and didn’t let anybody go to class without a high five.”
If you knew Ms. Kestner and want to add a memory, please visit this site: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/calgary-ab/catherine-kestner-6483485/add-memory
