Education
Normandeau School opens Passive Solar Greenhouse
Normandeau School enjoying all that new Passive Solar Greenhouse has to offer
Close your eyes and imagine what it feels like to be in a greenhouse. The warmth in the air, the smell of dirt and budding plants, the feel of playing in the dirt, and the visual of lots of luscious green growth. The immediate uplifting feeling one gets when walking into a greenhouse is hard to describe, but simply put, greenhouses are a happy place.
Students at Normandeau School get to experience all that a greenhouse offers as construction has been completed on the new Come Grow With Us Passive Solar Greenhouse, a project totalling over $250,000 that utilizes the latest building technologies and has the potential to change the greenhouse industry in Alberta. The concept for the idea began in 2018, with construction taking place last fall. Earlier this week, a grand opening was held which included a free community barbeque hosted by the Central Alberta Co-op, as well as free family activities such as learning about different types of garden boxes, planting flowers, and face painting.
“The greenhouse has created a living classroom for students to apply traditional knowledge in a hands-on environment while learning practical life skills,” said Kim Kirkwood, Principal at Normandeau School. “This is a learning environment that no other school has, and it engages students from Pre- Kindergarten to Grade 8.”
Every teacher at Normandeau will dedicate time to the project to ensure curriculum is infused into the greenhouse so authentic and enriched learning opportunities happen for all students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8. The greenhouse will allow students to learn how food grows as well as use Math, Science, and Language Arts curriculum throughout the process.
This project will use leading edge sustainable building technologies, reduce the school’s carbon footprint, and allow students to learn valuable life skills. The project is a sustainable, low impact, cost effective greenhouse targeting four seasons, which will apply solar energy technologies, have an open sourced, printable design that other schools and community groups can utilize, which will also have the potential to change the greenhouse industry in Alberta through applied research in conjunction with SAIT Green Building Technologies.
“We are grateful for the many partnerships that have evolved as a result of the Come Grow With Us Passive Solar Greenhouse,” said Kim. “This project would not have been possible without their support. We appreciate each sponsor’s commitment to the lives of kids through their support of the greenhouse.”
Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.
We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.
Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”
Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.
“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.
When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.
The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.
“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”
Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.
With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.
Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.
Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.
She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”
GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.
As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.
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