What started as a student petition to reopen the enclosed courtyard at Calgary’s Senator Patrick Burns School has grown into a larger initiative to turn a paved space into a green space for Grades 6 to 9 classes.

Now an engaging teaching and learning environment is in sight.

As part of the initiative – which consolidated student input over six months into one plan – the school will replace the asphalt in its courtyard with green surfaces that reduce runoff and promote plant growth. When completed, the new courtyard will be transformed into an outdoor classroom, providing hands-on lessons in sustainable practices like gardening, composting and reusing rain and melt-water. Already participating in a recycling program and collecting organics for proper disposal, the new space allows for expansion of the school’s green activities.

By creating a space that has a positive environmental impact, the school will promote social involvement and responsibility.

“This project is an extension of our mission to promote positive relationships and personal excellence,” said principal Marlene Krickhan. “In an inner-city space, we will tackle the environmental challenges that affect us globally and promote environmental stewardship.”

She added they are the only school in Canada where students collect refundables to finance green energy for the school.