The North Haven Learning Grounds received some very exciting news this weekend. We have been selected to receive $125,000 through CFEP (Community Facilities Enhancement Program) from the Government of Alberta. This is huge news for the Learning Grounds, and means that Phase 2 of the project can proceed.
Everyone who contributed to phase 1, were instrumental in the win! CFEP is a matching grant, which means we needed $125,000 in hand before it could be doubled. Our imaginations are going wild thinking about Phase 2, with a focus on extending accessible pathways and creating shade by planting trees. With the CFEP win to boost our efforts, we also hope to complete an additional planting area near our amazing three tier stone amphitheater, and need some help to reach this goal. Please help us with Phase 2 of the North Haven Learning Grounds. Tax deductible receipts are available with contributions, donation link below. We are also still set-up within Benevity as a project under Parks Foundation. Funds take about 3 months to receive through Benevity, so it would be a great time to donate prior to summer construction. https://northhavenparentassociation.weebly.com/donate.html The North Haven Learning Grounds phase 1 is now complete and the report is now available to view below. The Learning Grounds Committee is now hard at work planning phase 2. More updates to come! View North Haven Learning Grounds Phase 1 Report
As you may have seen by now, the North Haven schoolyard has been transformed!
We celebrated the transformation with a Grand Opening event in early October. Students, staff, parents and community members were honoured to have a Knowledge Keeper present to speak of the importance of community and our connections to the land. He also blessed the Learning Grounds with an offering of sage. Students delighted the group with a song adapted for the occasion and ending in a “wolf pack” howl. The staff and students at North Haven school began the project in April 2021, a relatively short time to transform a bare grassy slope into an outdoor amphitheater featuring native trees, shrubs and an accessible pathway to allow for use by all of our community members. The idea of community and belonging is further expressed through the beautiful wolf cutouts along 48 Avenue. These were created during an artist residency with the students by our North Haven neighbour, Indigenous artist and business owner, Chance Bellegarde of Redman Customs. The wolves are a visual acknowledgement of residential schools and Indigenous history, and the importance of belonging within one's community. Students were involved from the beginning, with Ms. Hastie, our Grade 5/6 teacher taking the lead in connecting curriculum to the project. Students surveyed the schoolyard, and developed design ideas that were voted on by the entire student body. With these ideas as a guide, the Parent Association was tasked with bringing the project to life. Over the course of the past year and a half, a committee of parents, working closely with the school administration, secured project funding and commissioned a design based on the students' chosen concept. We watched with growing excitement as construction took place over the summer. The generosity of so many people who gave both time and money was humbling in its magnitude. The North Haven Parent Association,supported by students and school staff, will continue to monitor and maintain the Learning Grounds. We also plan to expand the project as funding allows. Phase 2 will extend accessible pathways, and add planting for shade. We invite all our neighbours to come and enjoy the North Haven Learning Grounds. Bring your family, friends and neighbours, take the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of community, belonging, and being within the landscape of our corner of Calgary. Finally, thank you! Sponsors from within and beyond the community are celebrated with a banner on 48th Avenue. To all of our volunteers, donors, staff, and students - all those who supported the project - thank you for being part of our community, and supporting the Learning Grounds as a place for all. We’ve really done something special here. - The North Haven Parent Association - Learning Grounds Committee |
Next Parent Association Meeting:
Tuesday April 4, 6:30pm In person in the learning commons (library). All parents and guardians of North Haven students are welcome. No volunteer commitment is required. FundraisersLearning GroundsAbout UsWe are the Parent Association at North Haven School. Our purpose is to raise funds for school programs and equipment that would not be funded otherwise. Archives
October 2023
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