Our Community Project: The Hillcrest Outdoor Classroom 2023
The students and staff of Hillcrest Elementary have a vision for a new learning space that will inspire new generations of children. Several years ago a teacher at our school, Mrs. Sarah Ball, was a driving force behind this initiative. We need the help of our community to bring her vision to life. We are striving to create a safe, inclusive, outdoor classroom for our school that connects our students to the local environment and provides appreciation and understanding of the natural world.
In using this space for outdoor education our students can experience place-based learning in our back forest and have a covered, dry area that provides protection year-round. By gathering together in a communal outdoor setting children can learn from each other and build a shared understanding of our role as global citizens and environmental stewards. It will be a place of acknowledgement that shares Indigenous knowledge and ways of understanding, as well as a place to recognize and honor individuals for special days and events.
Support our Outdoor Classroom
How can you help us realize the Hillcrest Outdoor Classroom in memory of Mrs. Sarah Ball? We are looking for community help from organizations, companies and private donors who would like to make a difference to our students, the leaders of tomorrow. With the whole community working together, we can realize Sarah’s vision of building our Hillcrest Outdoor Classroom. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Please click the heart button to donate or contact the school directly regarding in-kind donations.
How to Donate
- To make a donation please click on the Red Heart “Make a Donation” button
- Select donation amount
- Select “Hillcrest School” from the “Fund Destination” drop-down menu
- Select Not a tribute
- Under Message to school board please write “Hillcrest Outdoor Classroom” this will ensure that the funds are directed to our project
Tax Receipts
Individual donors are eligible for tax receipts if done through the school district.
Corporate donations/Sponsorships for Canada Revenue Agency purposes this is separated from regular donors as it comes with a form of expected benefit. Sponsors are not eligible for a tax receipt through the school district.
Individual donors can receive a tax receipt and recognition. Corporate donors can receive a tax receipt or recognition.
Please connect with Simon Burgers, Principal, with any questions at 250 477 7273 or via e-mail at sburgers@sd61.bc.ca
Thank You to Our early Hillcrest Star Donors:
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our early donors that have allowed us to move forward with this project. With their generosity, we have currently raised $25,000 plus the site preparation for this project! These donors enabled us to secure the architectural drawings, to start the permitting process, and establish the financial security to move forward.
With gratitude,
Hay’sxw’qa
Remembering Mrs. Sarah Ball
In 2022 the Hillcrest community lost a dear friend and long-time teacher Sarah Ball. The Hillcrest Outdoor Classroom is being built in memory of our friend and colleague who meant so much to the Gordon Head community. Sarah had the vision for an outdoor classroom several years back and now we would like to make it become a reality. We know this special space will serve the greater community as a place to visit and enjoy on walks and time spent at the school grounds.
Sarah started her teaching career at Hillcrest Elementary School in 2004 as a teacher -on-call and her children, Brady and Spencer, also attended school here. Shortly after this time, she became a permanent member of staff in several teaching roles, including learning support, inclusive education and as the English language specialist teacher. As a parent at the school, Sarah served on the Hillcrest PAC each year and took on the role as chair organizing numerous school-wide events and initiatives over many years.
We remember Sarah as a champion of learning who was always interested in supporting students to be their best. She was an enthusiastic participant in school events, fundraisers, expanded learning opportunities and she built community connections. Sarah, or Mrs. Ball, was an exceptional teacher and she connected with each and every child in a way that truly made them feel special and understood.
Sarah created a feeling of school community by spearheading spirit days and school-wide events such as Winterfest, Ice castles, Leprechaun visits, Lunar New Year Lion dances and the Terry Fox run each year. She was a supporter of those who needed it most, such as organizing our Team Tiernan run in the Times Colonist 10k in 2016 for a student battling cancer. Mrs. Ball always went above and beyond and she was a facilitator, an organizer and a cheerleader for all. An athlete herself, Sarah was involved with our many school sports teams and events. At our assemblies, she rallied the students and staff for a common cause and got our school excited about what we could do together. Sarah was all about having fun while learning. She connected our school to the greater community through ties with Berwick House and her sister, Melissa Braun. The Great Pumpkin Walk, Winter Wonderland display and Remembrance Day assembly with veterans all served a purpose for our students, their families and the residents of Berwick House.
Sarah had the gift of being able to wear many hats and address all different interest groups in our school community to find a common ground. She had a way of making everyone feel heard and supported. Mrs. Ball cared deeply for the students and was an advocate for them in every situation by having a place on the school-based team. Sarah would be outspoken if she felt strongly about an issue and her voice would be heard. Mrs. Ball was especially passionate about her ELL students and inclusion. Each one of them held a special place in her heart.
In dedicating this new outdoor learning space to Sarah, we will honor her memory and vision, and we will continue to work towards the goals she set, to ensure Hillcrest Elementary remains inclusive, forward-thinking and an integral part of the Gordon Head community. Thank you Mrs. Sarah Ball for your shining example. We miss you.
