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A little fresh air

Students at St. David Catholic Elementary School got a little fresh air Oct. 25, during Take Me Outside Day. Take Me Outside Day is a day to raise awareness about the importance of unplugging from daily technology and getting outside in nature.
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St. David Catholic Elementary School students (from left) Kadin Demers, Brooklyn Paquette and Christine Simoneau explored the great outdoors Oct. 25, during Take Me Outside Day. Supplied photo.
Students at St. David Catholic Elementary School got a little fresh air Oct. 25, during Take Me Outside Day.

Take Me Outside Day is a day to raise awareness about the importance of unplugging from daily technology and getting outside in nature.

The campaign was created by Colin Harris in 2011, after he spent nine months running from St. John's, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia.

Along the way, Colin Harris visited more than 80 schools and spoke with students about the importance of spending more time outside rather than in front of a screen.

Colin's final day of his cross-Canada run was Oct. 25. To mark the day, more than 150 schools across Canada pledged to spend 45 minutes outside during class time.

St. David Catholic School accepted this challenge. Students and staff spent time outdoors at the site where the school's new building will be constructed.

"At St. David, we believe in the importance of outdoor experiential learning for our students,” said Christina Vrbanic Kilby, a Grade 8 teacher at the school.

“We consider nature as an important element in our teaching practice. Our students learn to respect nature and take care of the environment they live in. Taking care of the natural environment is something that we embed in our daily lessons.

“Today we visited our new school location to witness the beauty that God has planted all around us.”

Physical activity outside promotes good motor development and good mental health. Sunlight can boost vitamin D levels, which help form strong bones. Going outside in nature can give students a mental boost, the press release said.

"Nature is fuel for the soul," said Richard Ryan, author and professor of psychology at the University of Rochester.

"Nature is something within which we flourish, so having it be more a part of our lives is critical, especially when we live and work in built environments."

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