Community celebrates new Raft River Elementary outdoor classroom

The Raft River Elementary  (RRE) outdoor classroom open house event took place on Friday Oct. 18 in spite of rainy weather.

Community members and District of Clearwater officials gathered in the elementary school gym to hear the dedication and history of the innovative outdoor classroom design and how it came to be. The design, which was strongly inspired by RRE students, and the outdoor space is where students will gather to learn in a beautiful outdoor setting.

The outdoor classroom structure includes a covered area with four circular student worktables. On the wall is a locked storage cupboard and display board. The cupboard is double-sided and can be accessed from the outside wall, as well, to allow students to sit on the grass outside when the weather is nice.  It is a timber frame structure with a metal roof and a concrete slab floor.

As the school’s website section about the design of the outdoor classroom describes, the view of Raft Mountain from the outdoor classroom serves as a live living model of the bio-geoclimatic zones that surrounds the area. The structure’s location in itself is very strategic as it captures the best views and ideal sun and shade over the course of a school day.

Principal of Raft River Elementary, Carmella Mathieu, shared more following the open house with the Clearwater Times saying, “Despite the rain both the ceremony and open house for the outdoor classroom saw families and community members join in celebrating the opening of the outdoor classroom. As a school community we are grateful for all those who had a part in making the outdoor classroom come to fruition.”

Mathieu praised teacher Liz Shook for her hard work towards the completion of the project adding, “The opening of the outdoor classroom is a significant milestone for the school community at Raft River Elementary School. Liz Shook’s unwavering dedication to our school and its students has been nothing short of inspirational. Her vision and hard work have brought this outdoor classroom to life, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come. This outdoor classroom stands as a testament to Liz Shook’s commitment to education and her belief in the power of nature as a learning tool.”

In future, the classroom itself will be surrounded by native plants such as Oregon grape, hazelnut shrubs, soapberry (or xusem), Saskatoon bushes and yarrow. Local Simpcw First Nations will be consulted to assist students to label and describe the uses of each plant. The round structure of the amphitheatre and presenters table create a natural setting for ongoing cultural presentations. 

In addressing guests during the event, principal Mathieu shared that the space “will allow our children to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment. The outdoor classroom stands as a testament to the incredible power of generosity and volunteerism, and it will undoubtedly enrich the educational experiences of our students for years to come.”