Flourish in Nature

“We believe teaching respect for the Earth and respect for people go hand-in-hand. Our campus ecosystems and programs inspire us to be committed to environmental responsibility.” ~ LCS Environmental Responsibility Value We are often reminded of the countless benefits of spending time outdoors during special days of recognition, like Take Me Outside Day and Earth Day. Not only is spending time outdoors fun, it has many benefits to our physical and mental health. Research has shown that spending time in nature can enhance mood, reduce stress, and promote wellbeing. In a 2015 study about the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention, researchers found that “connecting with nature is a promising path to flourishing in life” (Capaldi, Passmore, Nisbet, Zelenski, & Dopko, 2015, p. 9). This research has been substantiated in many studies, including those of Doctor of Psychology, Lisa Nisbet from Trent University. Dr.…

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Enriching Our Students’ Experience through Cocurricular Activities

At Lakefield College School, we immerse our students in a range of programming, including arts, culture, and athletic co-curricular activities. The benefits of athletic participation are widely known (improved physical health, mental health, social connection, etc.) and support Lakefield’s value of development of the whole person. Lesser known, however, are the benefits of cocurricular programming offered through our year-long clubs. We are often pleased to hear a student has discovered a hobby or passion by joining a club—usually, accompanied by the development of new skills and talents. For example, our Culinary Arts club students learn how to cook a variety of cuisines and develop an understanding of the basics of food preparation. These skills will serve them well as they approach young adulthood. Students in Debating Club practice their public speaking, verbal communication, and persuasive speaking skills, which help them in a range of academic courses and in their future careers. When students have the…

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The War Experience: Grade 10 Integrated English and History Class

LCS teacher Amy McGrath and I are Canadians who teach Canadian History to many students whose first experience with the country began the moment they stepped off a plane in September. Our job is more complicated than it used to be. Aside from teaching students that while there are numerous overlaps between Canadian and American History, and that throughout the last 250 years, we have had the propensity to get involved in each other’s wars, occasionally against each other, there are stark differences between American and Canadian History. Our main task, however, is to separate fact from myth. Canadians are destined to be misunderstood both by themselves and others. Despite popular rhetoric to the contrary, we are not a country that thanks bank machines, apologizes when slighted by others and the vast majority of us don’t live on the tundra but within 100 kilometres of the American border. Most Canadians…

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