Two classes at North Canoe Elementary have a special reason to look forward to Spring. They are going to garden!
On Tuesday, January 22, 2025, Ian Richardson, a representative from the Grindrod Garlic Festival Society, presented a cheque for $500 to the school. For many years now the the Grindrod Garlic Festival Society has supported programs in the schools that raise awareness about and promote local food and agriculture, and economically and environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Seen surrounded by North Canoe students, Ian Richardson (left) presents a cheque to Grade 4-5 teacher Stephen Pyle. On far right is Principal David Wellingham
The two classes are going to plant and look after the garden beds!
Earlier this school year the Grade 4-5 class taught by Stephen Pyle and the Grade 3-4 class taught by Pattie Perkins, worked hard to clean and weed the four raised beds at the school. They have connected with a local nursery, Green Farms, for guidance. This spring, the students will visit the nursery for a tour and assistance in selecting soil and plants. The North Canoe classes will be using the funds to purchase materials, including soil and plants, as well as to add two additional raised beds so that all students have their own plot to look after.
The goals for North Canoe are to:
- get the students digging in the dirt and connecting to the joy of growing vegetables, fruit and flowers;
- grow items that can be harvested before school ends and having a long table lunch using the bounty of the students' hard work;
- recognize the differences in food that has travelled hundreds if not thousands of miles to our plates, and food that the students have nurtured from a seed; and,
- foster a sense of pride in the school and respecting the land.
Earlier this month Richardson presented a $500 cheque to Silver Creek Elementary. Silver Creek's plan is to purchase a stainless steel 12 tray food dehydrator to be used to preserve food as part of the school's exploration course.
Thanks to the Grindrod Garlic Festival Society for supporting our schools and helping students connect with their food, community, and environment.
For more information
P.O. Box 129 ~ 341 Shuswap St. S.W
Salmon Arm British Columbia
Canada V1E 4H9
www.sd83.bc.ca
