MP John Barlow visits Oilfields High School to witness innovative community-connected learning
Oilfields High School (OHS), in Diamond Valley, welcomed a special guest on April 9, 2026. Mr. John Barlow, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Foothills in the House of Commons, visited the school to learn more about its programs and community‑connected learning initiatives.
Mr. Barlow represents the Foothills constituency, which includes all FSD schools, and serves as the federal representative for more than 114,000 Albertans. During his visit, Mr. Barlow toured the school alongside proud students, school staff, and Foothills School Division Trustees. OHS students led the tour and shared their insights into learning and excellence at Oilfields High School.
A highlight of the visit was a stop at the school’s Vertical Farm, where Mr. Barlow was able to tour the facility and see firsthand how the project connects classroom learning with real‑world application. The Vertical Farm Initiative at Oilfields High School is a student‑driven, sustainable agriculture project that grows vegetables, herbs, and micro‑greens year‑round inside a fully converted sea‑can. Designed as a net‑zero, indoor growing unit, the biochar vertical farm aims to operate without negative environmental impacts while modelling responsible stewardship of energy, water, and soil. Students in Grades 7 through 12 are involved in every aspect of the initiative — from planting, lighting, watering, and cooling, to business operations, sales, and marketing.
Through this hands‑on experience, students gain technical, entrepreneurial, and employability skills while strengthening their connection to the community, including giving back through food bank donations. Supported by community partners, sponsors, and local and federal funding opportunities, the initiative reflects Oilfields High School’s vision to inspire students to be community ambassadors and to gain valuable, real‑life skills. The vertical farm demonstrates how Oilfields High School works with the community, teaches valuable agricultural and entrepreneurial skills, and helps support the school’s student population.
During the tour, Mr. Barlow commented on the importance of employable skills and shared his appreciation for seeing these skills prioritized through hands‑on learning opportunities at Oilfields High School.
The visit concluded with a meaningful gesture of thanks. Mr. Barlow was presented with a framed, hand‑drawn sketch of Oilfields High School, signed by students and staff. When asked if he would display the artwork in his office, he shared that he would “hang it in my office, in Ottawa.”
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the innovative learning taking place at Oilfields High School and to highlight the strong connection between students, staff, and the broader community.
