Nature connect

NATURE CONNECT
2022-2023 Registration to open in August.

If a child has been able in his play, to give up their whole loving 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. .
-Rudolf Steiner

Our Nature Connect Program runs on Fridays for students in Grades 1 to 8. Our unique urban nature program instils a
sense of reverence for Nature, a respect for the environment, within a natural setting that fosters
resilience, teamwork, confidence and hands on skills.

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:

Gil-O-Julien Park - 80m (2 minute walk)
Riverside Memorial Park - 600m (8 minute walk)
Overbrook Park- 800m (10 minute walk)
Strathcona Park - 1.1km (15 minute walk)

Who is leading the Nature Connect program?
The program is led by experienced outdoor educators Cole McLaughlin and Bethany Leonard. They have both been working as outdoor educators for various years and are excited to be involved in this new initiative at Polaris, bringing their expertise to our holistic educational setting.

What will students attending the program need?
Students participating in the Nature Connect program should have a willingness to find reverence and beauty in their natural surroundings. They should be prepared to build a community through a shared love of nature and to embrace all seasonal elements with resilience and humor. Students should also 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?
October 15th to December 17th 2021 (10 classes): $550
January 21st to March 11th 2022 (8 classes): $440
March 25th to June 17th 2022( 12 classes): $660

Registration is open and cost will be prorated for those joining after the start date.

When will the program occur?
Fridays from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Fall Session: October 15th to Dec 17th
Winter Session: January 21st to March 11th
Spring Session: March 25th to June 17th

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?
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 sanitization practices are in place. Students are asked to do a COVID screening prior to attending and classes sizes will remain small.

Please contact us for our COVID policy. Note that the policy is revised as new guidance from both the province and Ottawa Public Health emerge.

Registration Form

To register complete the registration form and send it to admissions@polarisschool.ca.