On May 5, 2025 (Monday), students and staff from the Special Education Department at St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy immersed themselves in the beauty of High Park’s cherry blossoms, enjoying a sensory-rich outdoor learning experience at one of Toronto’s most beloved green spaces.
With approximately 75 percent of the park’s iconic cherry trees in bloom, students from the school’s Intensive Support Program (ISP) were visibly moved by the breathtaking display of nature. The field trip was made possible through proceeds from the school’s outdoor education grants, allowing staff to support both educational and well-being goals for their students.
High Park is home to nearly 3,000 Sakura trees, gifted to the City of Toronto in 1959 by Japanese Ambassador Toru Hagiwara in gratitude for Canada’s support of Japanese-Canadian refugees following the Second World War. Today, the cherry blossom season continues to draw visitors from across the city, offering not only aesthetic beauty but also scientifically backed health benefits.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Japanese practice of Hanami—the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms—has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, lower blood pressure, and a heightened sense of mindfulness and connection to nature.
Staff from St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy expressed pride in offering this enriching and therapeutic experience to students, highlighting the value of blending outdoor education with well-being.
