Frequently Asked Questions

What will the renovated outdoor space include?

The plan currently includes the following, with additional design elements to be confirmed:

• A new, re-oriented, 60’ x 114’ soccer field 

• A 6’-wide stabilized aggregate track around the field

• New play structures and swings on poured rubber mulch (replacing the old structure/swings)

• A tiered, integrated seating area on the eastern slope of the field

• A Gaga Ball pit 

• A new (and repositioned) basketball net/key

• Bioswale 

What about summer-time access and use of the school property?

Our pre-primary students will have full use of their dedicated (fantastic) playground until it closes for the summer (July 31).

In July, the staff parking lot will be temporarily blocked to vehicles, making a space for the ever popular “Wheels at Camp”. 

Why now?

• After 18 years, the current play structure has outlasted its predicted lifespan. 

Purchased and installed in two sections, these components have performed well thanks to regular inspection and maintenance. In replacing these aging structures, our students will benefit from ongoing developments in playground design and accessibility.

• The field has had persistent drainage issues.

*predating our 2018 campus expansion

• The side playground and basketball court area need some attention. 

Tending this busy part of our playground has been on hold while we developed a comprehensive, cohesive plan for our outdoor spaces.

• More than 150 children in Primary through Middle School use the “big” playground daily. 

Throughout the school day and in Afterschool and Funshine Camp programming, this major play area sees heavy use. The children make creative use of the space, but will benefit from enhanced spaces to grow, build, create, climb, learn, experiment, and play.

When will construction and landscaping begin?

We project that on-site work will begin in early July.

What is the projected end date?

This project has an ambitious turn-around time. The bulk of the work is planned for completion in time for the 2026-27 school year. 

How close is this project to fruition?

The Outdoor Spaces Capital Project Committee has been meeting regularly as a group and also with the team from Brackish Design Studio. Recently, our builders,  from Oakhill Outdoor, have joined the team. Next steps involve working with the team (designers and builders) to create more detailed design documents. 

How will we know what's happening?

We’ll share news through our usual channels (i.e., weekly messages, Headteacher updates), but this public landing page is your source for the latest news. Please share it with friends and family whether they are potential/active donors—or simply curious. Their interest is always welcome! 

How much funding has been secured?

• We received an extremely generous anchor donation of securities,  which netted close to  $500,000.
  
  

• The Board of Directors committed up to $100,000 from our capital reserves.
  
  

• Our two most recent annual online Dream Auctions produced just under $20,000.
  
  

As a result, even before the Friends + Family Capital Campaign launched, we had $612,614 in hand! 

• The Friends + Family Capital Campaign launched on April 20. The fundraising goal is $100,000. Early-bird donations/pledges from our board and community members amounted to $14,000. As of April 30, the campaign total had reached $23,875.

What about other fundraisers/funding?

The Friends + Family Capital Campaign outreach is our main focus.

However, fun supplementary fundraising opportunities have included our "Come from Away"
raffle (prizes drawn on May 1/26), and our student Tag-a-Thon, to be held on May 22. 

We are also investigating grants for playgrounds, natural spaces, pollinator gardens, etc. If you are interested in helping with any grant research and applications, please let us know.

Will school fees be affected?

Prior capital projects have necessitated substantial capital campaigns, mortgage financing, and even (in 2018) the imposition of a five-year levy on school fees ($500 per year). We are proud to report that this project is entirely achievable with a relatively modest capital campaign goal, no new debt, and no impact on school fees.

Will donation receipts be issued?

Donation receipts for tax purposes will be issued for donations of $20 or more.

How can I contribute?

We welcome all donations! Our favourite way to process donations is via e-transfer to accounts@halifaxindependentschool.ns.ca.

Alternatively, one-time/monthly donors may also contribute through PAP contributions, or through our CanadaHelps page, which processes donations of cash and securities.

Will donors be recognized?

We are still exploring options for acknowledging all of our donors, similar to our donor recognition art installation “Saplings” in the front lobby.

If you wish your donation to remain anonymous, please direct us accordingly, in writing. 

What about “named space” opportunities?

Major donations can be recognized through named spaces. 

Current possibilites: 

• Play Structure - $50,000

• Sports Field - $25,000

• "The Forum" - $10,000

• Water & Earthworks - $10,000

• Swings - $10,000

• Basketball and Key - $7,500

• Bioswale - $3,000

• Outdoor Chalkboard - $3,000

• Bike Racks  - $3,000

What about tribute gifts and memorial donations?

What a wonderful way to honour a special person or a personal milestone. Feel free to reach out directly to arrange a tribute gift or a memorial.