• Michael Gennings, Staff
  http://www.simcoe.com/news/article/1233153--outdoor-classroom-in-clearview
• Oct 27, 2011 - 11:47 AM

Outdoor classroom in Clearview

STAYNER - Clearview Township and the Simcoe County District School Board are teaming up so that local students will have a permanent outdoor classroom.

The classroom will be situated on municipal property that once served as a gravel pit. The site is at Lot 30 on Nottawasaga Concession 7, west of Stayner.

The site will be primarily used by students at Stayner Collegiate Institute (SCI), in particular those enrolled in a new Grade 11 and 12 program at the school called Specialist High Skills Major. Students in the program take a "bundle" of credits geared towards an environmental career.

But other students at the high school and those in local elementary schools will also be able to access the site for learning purposes, SCI vice-principal Janice Ellerby said.

Ellerby, during a presentation to Clearview Township council last Monday night, gave an overview of how the outdoor classroom would be used

"We would take a parcel of township land and turn it into a field study centre over a period of time," she said.

A "multitude" of learning opportunities could be created at the site, Ellerby said, adding it would allow students to get hands-on experience.

"To me the exciting thing is to have our students out there getting their hands dirty," she said, adding the site would provide a long-term benefit to young people. "This is an opportunity to continue to build SCI as a vibrant place to learn in Clearview."

Steven Kell, a Grade 12 student at SCI, told council the site would help youth develop a passion for learning.

Mayor Ken Ferguson thanked Ellerby for the presentation and read a resolution moved by Councillor Thom Paterson and seconded by Councillor Orville Brown.

The resolution directs township staff to work with board officials to prepare a report outlining a draft agreement that will allow the property to be used.

Staff was also authorized to attract partners that can support the project.

Council also made Michael Wynia, the township's director of Planning, the lead for the project as it develops.

Wynia, in response to questioning from Councillor Shawn Davidson, said he is optimistic the outdoor classroom can be in place for next year.