New greenhouse classroom brings ‘hands-on learning to the forefront’ at Sunnyside School

An elementary school northeast of Lethbridge now has an outdoor classroom where students can learn about growing their own food, seed to table.

An elementary school in Lethbridge County now has a new space for students to learn.

Sunnyside School unveiled its new geodesic greenhouse on Thursday.

The space will serve as a greenhouse, living classroom and hub of innovation for K-6 students.

“We’re realizing that young kids, it’s not good for them to sit in a classroom for six, seven hours a day, so I think any time we can bring hands-on learning to the forefront, where they’re actively doing the learning as opposed to sitting and listening, is really valuable for kids,” said Mitchell Van Dyk, Sunnyside School principal.

The 42-foot greenhouse has been in the plans for three years, with construction taking place throughout the recent school year.

Van Dyk says the students have been involved in every step of the project.

“They planted seeds a month ago, and then they were transplanting them into the beds. … They’ve been excited to do class in here as well, which is really exciting,” he said.

The new space, filled with planters, an irrigation system and tables and chairs, will provide a new kind of learning experience for a growing community.

“We have a very small school,” said Michelle Perlich, treasurer of the Sunnyside Community Association.

“We’re bursting at the seams; we have waitlists for every classroom, and we needed to find a space that really meets the needs of our school while also providing our kids with a super unique experience that goes along with what we believe at Sunnyside, which is being outdoors and participating in outdoor activities.”

More than 150 students will have the option to use the new greenhouse throughout their studies.

“It’s sick,” said Edgar Nelson, a Grade 6 student at Sunnyside.

“There are plants everywhere. We’re going to get to eat some of the plants, like the dill and stuff. I think everything about this is really smart.”

Located northeast of Lethbridge, Sunnyside School is surrounded by farmers’ fields.

“It’s one thing to read about plant growth and to write a worksheet about plant growth; it’s another thing entirely to do it and watch it in front of your eyes,” Van Dyk said.

The $130,000 project was funded by the community association’s annual barn dance fundraiser, with donations from parents, staff and surrounding community organizations.

“It’s really awesome,” said Grade 6 student Addyson Daveoi.

“Sometimes, when we come in here for art class, we’ll plant and then continue with art.

“I really like doing that. It’s a lot of fun.”