St. Patrick's School celebrated the opening of this new outdoor natural classroom last week during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.--HANDOUT PHOTO
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The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education is hosting a 50/50 ticket raffle in partnership with its Education Foundation to raise money for the new K-9 Holy Trinity Academy, currently under construction and set to open in September 2027.
The school division is selling tickets to support the new school, which features several brand new learning spaces and is designed with accessibility as a priority.
Tickets are on sale until Dec. 14 with a draw planned the next day, and can be purchased in packages of two for $20, 10 for $50 or 50 for $100.
At the time of publication, the jackpot is more than $4,400, meaning the winner will take home at least $2,200, with the remaining half supporting the new school.
A link to the raffle box webpage to purchase tickets can be found by visiting mhcba.ab.ca.
Outdoor classroom opens at St. Pat’s
On Nov. 21, St. Patrick’s School celebrated the grand opening of its new natural outdoor classroom, which will be used as a play-based environment designed to inspire curiosity, support physical development and connect students with nature.
The new learning space features natural elements and open-ended structures that encourage climbing, building and engaging with the environment.
School staff were inspired to create the natural outdoor learning space after attending the annual Teachers Conference in 2023 and attending a presentation held by Sonay Brown, who works with Alberta Health Services’ Healthier Together Schools program.
Staff found value in models of outdoor learning spaces designed to support emotional, social, physical and mental wellness by offering students a calming environment where they can relax, read, explore and play with their friends.
Since 2023 the school’s parent council raised more than $90,000 for the project, which was constructed over the summer and completed in early August.
Season of Advent beings Sunday
Each week until the Sunday before Christmas, Catholic schools will light candles for hope, peace, joy and love during the season of Advent.
Advent marks the beginnings of the liturgical year in the church and is typically known as a time of reflection, with traditions including the lighting of an Advent wreath or an Advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas.
