School Gets Boost From Bog

The students and staff of St. Stephen's Elementary in Halifax are not bothered by bogs.

For more than 10 years they have used the cranberry bog on their school property as an outdoor learning space, and now they have received a national award for their practice.

The Tree Canada Foundation has named St. Stephen's the winner of the John Fisher Memorial Award, which is presented yearly to the Canadian school whose efforts to create green spaces for learning merit exceptional recognition.

The Department of Education has been in partnership with the Tree Canada Foundation's Greening Canada's School Grounds Program since 2000.

Together they have helped many schools across Nova Scotia make learning spaces greener by planting trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens; installing alternative play structures; and creating outdoor classrooms.

"Nova Scotia is recognized across the country for leading the way on environmental issues and we're pleased to lend our support to such a worthwhile endeavour," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "I congratulate St. Stephen's Elementary on its success."

"We're absolutely thrilled and delighted that the Tree Canada Foundation has recognized our efforts," said Amy Boutilier, principal of St. Stephen's. "All of our students and teachers are actively involved and enjoy extending teaching and learning beyond the four walls of the classroom."

The John Fisher Memorial Award was created in memory of the first chairman of the Tree Canada board of directors, who died in 1997.

It will be presented to the Greening Grounds Group of St. Stephen's at the opening ceremony of the annual provincial conference of the Nova Scotia Home and School Association today, Oct. 22.

The event will take place at the Bayview Inn, 50 Bedford Highway, Halifax at 6:30 p.m.