Abby school takes classes outside

Students embrace Sts. Bernadette and Francis of Assisi's love of creation

Kindergarteners from St. James and St. Ann's School engage the outdoors at Fishtrap Creek. This fall, students from the school will participate in outdoor classes. Karen Murphy Corr / Special to The B.C. Catholic

The B.C. Catholic has a new story from contributor Karen Murphy Corr about outdoor Kindergarten classes at St. James and St. Ann's school:

Blessed Pope John Paul II loved skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. St. Bernadette Soubirous encountered the Blessed Virgin in a grotto on the banks of a river. St. Francis of Assisi loved all creation, considering all of nature part of his brotherhood.

Starting next school year the kindergarten students at St. James and St. Ann's School (SJSA) in Abbotsford will get an opportunity to embrace the outdoors as part of their faith education. The school is about to become the first Catholic school in the province to offer an outdoor education program as part of the daily curriculum.

"Children spend more and more time in front of the TV and playing video games; they have lost their connection with nature. We know from health research and statistics that children of this generation are less physically active and less fit," explained Terri Sask, principal of SJSA, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.