TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Official Opening and Blessing of Kindergarten Playground

The new Kindergarten playground at James Culnan Catholic School was officially opened and blessed on June 9th.  Father Ignacio from St. James Parish blessed the new space which has been named the "Kindergarten Climate Change Village".  Knowledge Keeper Clayton Shirt, who is Cree and Ojibway, spoke to the students about our relationship with the Earth and conducted a smudging ceremony.  City councilor Sarah Doucette (Ward 13), Jeff McCormick (City of Toronto Live Green), Karen Dobrucki (Evergreen) and Troy Beharry (TCDSB Partnership Development) joined the celebration.  Retired Principal Michele O'Dowd, parent Maureen Smith and Troy Beharry were congratulated for their combined efforts in applying for the grant and in designing the unique outdoor space for the youngest members of the school community.

The transformation of their asphalt playground connects kindergarten students to nature in this outdoor classroom.   Equipped with a kindergarten-size outdoor theatre, raised gardens, earth play stations, a tee pee, and a free play zone, students will develop positive attitudes about environmental issues while engaging in the Provincial curriculum.

The project was a joint effort between the City of Toronto's Live Green Community Grant program and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.