From recognising birdsong to tasting fresh honey, students from preschool to Grade 4 at Collège Champittet immersed themselves in the wonders of nature during Earth Week. Guided by birdwatching enthusiast Marc, students in Grades 1 and 2 learned to identify birds by their songs and colours, skills that will be invaluable for future Forest School outings. Meanwhile, preschoolers and Grade 4 students delved into the fascinating world of bees with beekeeper Cédric, enjoying honey tasting sessions. The 4th-graders took their learning further by making seed bombs to attract pollinators, while the youngest learners crafted handmade beeswax candles. Additionally, 1st-graders embarked on a special outing to Jorat Nature Park, where they used their five senses to explore the forest like woodland creatures, spotting rare butterflies and tasting natural treats like hazelnuts and nettle syrup.
The Earth Week activities at Collège Champittet also included creative expressions of environmental stewardship. Grades 1 and 2 students hosted a breakfast for their parents to showcase their newfound knowledge, while 3rd-graders engaged with the book The Wolf Who Loved Trees, participating in activities focused on waste, recycling, and planet protection. The primary students discussed the four 'R's – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – and applied these principles creatively. Some designed posters advocating for planetary care, now adorning the school, while others crafted musical instruments from recycled materials and performed the song 'Save Our Planet' for younger students. The Parents’ Association contributed by organizing a book exchange, promoting reuse and literary discovery. The week concluded with anticipation for the butterflies expected to emerge in the school garden, symbolizing the growth and learning fostered during Earth Week.
