POLICY 6161.5

INSTRUCTION: SCHOOL GARDENS

Adopted: November 23, 2020
Revised:
Frequency of Review: Annual

1.0 RATIONALE
1.1 Gardening has been shown to improve mental, physical and emotional health, improve focus, patience, team work and encourage students to make healthier food choices.

1.2 The garden is also an extension of the classroom and can provide lessons on the sustainability of our food supply, the impact of development and world issues including climate change.

2.0 DEFINITIONS
Nil

3.0 POLICY
3.1 The District encourages and supports the development of school gardens for learning, for increasing access to healthy food, for community and social development as well as beautification and greening of the schoolyard.
3.2 These living classrooms engage students to reconnect to the natural world, through observation and exploration of biodiversity, plant life, nature cycles and food literacy.
3.3 The goal is to provide an environment for children to connect to their food, to each other to become self- reliant individuals who understand their responsibilities as global citizens.
3.4 Volunteers, including engaged community members, are encouraged and welcomed to support school gardens in consultation with the Principal and the Facilities Department, pursuant to Policy 1240: School Volunteers.
3.5 District garden partners are encouraged in consultation with the Principal and the Facilities Department.

4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 The Board of Education is responsible to ensure compliance with the School Act.
4.2 The Superintendent is responsible to ensure that District policy is upheld and regulations are enforced.

5.0 REFERENCES
Nil