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Help The Pinecone Academy purchase a Schoolhouse

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Welcome to our page, we, The Pinecone Academy thank you for your time to read and consider our initiative to purchase a schoolhouse for the upcoming 2021/2022 school year! The Mongolian Yurt will provide the opportunity for nature-based learning for children that encourages curiosity, exploration and connection in response to the gap in education throughout the pandemic.

Our goal at Pinecone Academy is to create a year-long, forest- based Homeschool Pod for 10 children, ranging from Pre-K to Grade 1 in our community of Massey, Ontario. We aim to bring nature into the classroom and take the classroom into nature! Research continues to show that nature reduces stress, increases attention span and fosters healthy brain development. The majority of our day will be spent in our Outdoor Classroom, but we will require an indoor teaching space that will feature a 26’ yurt purchased locally by Groovy Yurts. Funds will also cover the preparation of land, platform, shipping, setup/labour and a wood burning stove for warmth during the winter months.

The Pinecone Academy believes that encouraging a relationship with and learning in a natural environment is an essential experience and beneficial to a child’s health and overall development. We are passionate about supporting homeschooling families by providing an inclusive space for a holistic a approach to learning, socializing, arts/crafts, stem activities and environmental exploration 3 days a week.

Why a Yurt you ask?

This outdoor learning model will be workable for students with a variety of complex personalized needs and learning styles as well as provide adequate shelter. The yurt is expected to last 20 years and is extremely weather/wind resistant which is suitable for our climate in the north.

We love the traditions and symbolism that are intertwined in this work of art! The roof rafters, orientation of the door and the painted symbols are examples of the alchemy and magic in this structure. For Mongolians, the traditional "ger" is a representation of the universe, the toono (dome) that connects with the sky and the spirits is supported by two bagaans (central posts) that represent the woman and the man who equally support the universe. In our opinion, this provides a beautiful and rich learning environment.

From Kendra Rogers & Stacie Minten, Directors at Pinecone Academy:

"We believe this project will have immeasurable impact on outdoor learning, provide an additional resource for local homeschooling parents, and can be a safe and inclusive place for young children to build skills and form friendships within the community. We appreciate and are truly grateful for any help you can provide in manifesting this opportunity".

From our hearts to yours, thank you for donating!




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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • Andrea Fechner
    • $200 
    • 3 yrs
  • Jane MacPherson
    • $300 
    • 3 yrs
  • Dorothy MacPherson
    • $300 
    • 3 yrs
  • Paula Eisnor
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Fundraising team (3)

Kendra Wild
Organizer
Raised $900 from 5 donations
Massey, ON
Andrea Fechner
Team member
Raised $500 from 2 donations
Stacie Minten
Team member
Raised $250 from 3 donations
This team raised $3,700 from 10 other donations.

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