Nature Connect
If a child has been able in his play to give up their whole loving being being to the world around them, they will be able, in the serious tasks of later life, to devote themselves with confidence and power to the service of the world. . |
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What is Nature Connect?
Nature Connect is a one-day outdoor school program dedicated to creating awe, wonder and beauty for the natural world, in an urban environment. Students will establish connections to mother nature through careful observations of their surroundings, the seasons, the plants, foliage and fauna. A weekly rhythm will connect students to the program beginning each session with circle-time, nature verses and outdoor games. Art work will take inspiration from natural forms and seasonal weather changes will influence program planning. Who is the Nature Connect program for?
Nature Connect is for grades 1-8. It is a perfect complement to the 4-day main lesson grade school program at Polaris, or as a stand-alone one day program for students attending a public school or home-school and looking for a one-day supplementary nature program. The emphasis will be on creating a mixed-grade class community that connects through a love and respect for nature. 
Where will the Nature Connect program take place?
The program will be anchored at Polaris School and Centre, with pick up and drop off there. A deep connection to the natural urban landscape surrounding the Hardini Centre will be nourished through the cultivation of the land into usable community gardens. In addition, the program will also use near-by public green spaces in the Overbrook neighbourhood. Potential sites include:
Who is leading the Nature Connect program?
The program will be led by Polaris grade school teacher Vikki Esplin. Visiting experts in outdoor education will also be supporting the program, providing seasonal expertise and specialist subject matter to the team. Furthermore, this fall, Vikki Esplin will begin a one year Forest and Nature School Practitioners training program with Child and Nature Alliance Canada. More information on this course can be found here. 
What will students attending the program need?
Students signing up for the Nature Connect program should have a willingness to find reverence and beauty in all natural surroundings. They should be prepared to build community through a shared love of nature and to embrace all seasonal elements with resilience and humour. Students should be willing to work in mixed-grade groups. “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothes.” - Ralph Fiennes 
How much does the program cost?
September 11th to December 18th (14 classes): $770 January 8th to June 11th (19 classes): $1,045 When will the program occur? Fridays from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Semester 1: September 11th to Dec 18th (14 classes - No class on Oct. 30th) Semester 2: January 8th to June 11th (19 classes - no classes on Feb 12, Mar. 12, Mar 19 and Apr 2nd). Where will the program occur? At the Hardini Centre classrooms, in Riverside Park and Strathcona Park. See below for photos. What measures are being taken for Covid-19? See the Polaris return to school covid plan. This is an outdoor program, so students will be able to have physical distancing as necessary. Additional measures will be taken to ensure routine hygiene and sanitation practices are in place. To register send an email to info@polarisschool.ca. Nature Connect Site Locations...
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Polaris School and Centre
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