And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place,
and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,”
and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:9-10
The All Saints PTO is proud to introduce this unique asset which offers a valuable learning environment that will directly impact all students and set All Saints’ programs apart from others.
While our school strives to prepare students for success in a progressive technological world, we are committed to offer students and staff opportunities that engage the senses and further stimulate the learning process. The outdoors is a natural laboratory for learning. Ongoing research continues to link mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, as well as the ability to learn and cope with life circumstances to increased exposure to the natural environment.
Exposure to the outdoors has been proven to improve student behavior, ability to focus, creativity, and even leadership skills. All Saints believes that by providing an outdoor classroom we are further developing the “whole self” of our students. We want our students to have the skills to maneuver in the virtual world of computers, the internet, and other technological advancements while maintaining an awareness and connection with each other and the physical world around them.
It is only appropriate for a Catholic institution to foster the academic, emotional, and spiritual development of each person. Our children are the inheritors of our faith. The OLC intentionally provides the opportunities to have tangible faith experiences through the incorporation of a series of elements that teach about some of the most prominent traditions in the Catholic Church.
A series of engraved stepping stones depict the Stations of the Cross, a large boulder alludes to the imagery of the Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane (see “Christ in the Garden” artwork by Heinrich Hoffman), a Dogwood Tree symbolizes the passion of Christ (see “Legend of the Dogwood”), and a rosary walk reminds us how important prayer is in our daily lives. We hope that this space is frequented by teachers, students, ministry staff, and parishioners.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19: 3-14
In addition to the physical elements, All Saints is working with teachers to implement outdoor learning across the curriculum. It is our desire that all parishioners are able to use this space to teach, meditate, learn, and pray. We welcome the joyful cries, giggles, and curious inquiries of children in this space. We hope they climb on the rock, walk the pathways, smell the flowers, touch the stones and their engravings, and hear the sounds of nature. However, it is imperative that this space remains an atrium for learning and prayer and is treated as such by all visitors.
We have provided resources for parents, teachers, and ministry leaders on how this, or any outdoor space, can be used as a natural classroom nurturing body, mind, and soul.
Please submit and share your OLC news to the PTO Communciations Officer