R.H. Murray Public School is doing its part to sustain fish life in Lake Panache thanks to a partnership with the Sudbury Game and Fish Protective Association and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. Some 3,000 lake trout fry, spawned in the school's new micro hatchery, were released into the water on February 27, 2025.
The idea of having a hatchery at the school was led by Grade 2 teacher Michael Hachey. To explore options, he contacted the Sudbury Game and Fish Protective Association, a local organization actively involved in the conservation, health and welfare of wildlife and resources.
"Sudbury Fish and Game generously donated a micro hatchery to our school, which has exposed our entire student body to the importance of fish in the ecosystem," says teacher Michael Hachey. "Hatcheries present a wonderful learning opportunity for students across many grades with ties to the curriculum. The possibilities are endless."
From assembly and cleaning to maintenance and monitoring, students are involved in all aspects of the hatchery. "Every day students are checking for and removing dead eggs," says Michael Hachey. "Select students even extract eggs from the bell jar to look for abnormalities in development."
Students used their math skills to calculate the growth of lake trout, and literacy skills to read and write about the various stages of the egg life cycle. Students then presented their findings during an open house for parents/guardians and members of the community.
For the fry release, students joined staff and partners from Sudbury Fish and Game and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, who organized the event and offered tobacco and a prayer before releasing the fry into the water.
"This event was the culmination of a very exciting learning adventure for my students," says Michael Hachey. "They took pride in releasing the fry they watched mature over the past few months and had so much fun in the process."
R.H. Murray Public School Principal Nadia Berardelli is thrilled to see this experiential learning opportunity in action. "Students have been able to expand on their classroom learning in an exciting hands-on way," says Principal Berardelli. "They are also honing their skills in ecological literacy, environmental stewardship, teamwork and leadership, all required for certification with EcoSchools Canada."
She adds: "We are extremely grateful to teacher Michael Hachey for securing a micro hatchery for our school. I also extend a special thank you to members of the Sudbury Game and Fish Protective Association and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation for their support of student learning."
