RVS The Farm

Just a couple of kilometres north of where the blacktop ends on 24th Avenue Northwest of Airdrie is a group of students getting back to their roots. Led by teachers Matt Chomistek and Mark Turner, 40 students learn their core subjects with a twist. The ingenuity of the educational venture known as The Farm, a product of Rocky View Schools Community Learning Centre, is rejuvenating the homestead property. Chickens feed in a coop built by the students metres from two Atco trailers where the Grades 9-11 students are engaged in schoolwork. Since I’ve been there in September, they’ve added more animals, including turkeys and pigs. This is the airdrielife podcast, hosted by Britton Ledingham. Here we take you beyond the pages of airdrielife magazine. Our goal is to share stories with locals in and around Airdrie about extraordinary people who call this city home. Myself and my journalist colleagues meet all kinds of fun, interesting people we get to write about. This podcast is an exclusive opportunity where you can learn more about your fantastic neighbours. This podcast starts with an interview with teacher and cofounder of The Farm, Matt Chomistek. I also caught up with three students, including ninth grader and fifth-generation farmer, Mark Norregaard. His eyes beamed when he got to talk about the project. Next up is Rachel Carroll, a Grade 10 Bert Church High School student born and raised in Airdrie. She’s super keen on the project. Lastly is Carter Mitschke, a fifth-generation farmer from west of Airdrie. I loved talking with him because he sounds like you could tack another 20 or 30 years to his age. He’s an old farmer at heart. Watch for what happens on the farm on their website (rvsthefarm.ca) and social media by searching RVS The Farm on Instagram. Our intro music was produced by Willy Snypes. You can check him out at willysnypes.com. If you’d like to sponsor the podcast, please head to airdrielife.com to find the podcast link on the homepage. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. If you have an idea of someone we should feature, contact us through airdrielife.com, or reach out to us on social media @airdrielife.