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 older students took their learning further by making seed bombs to attract pollinators, while the younger ones crafted beeswax candles, blending creativity with environmental education.
The week was also marked by a variety of activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of environmental protection. First-graders embarked on a special outing to Jorat Nature Park, where they used their five senses to explore the forest like woodland creatures, discovering rare butterflies and tasting natural treats like hazelnuts and nettle syrup. Back at school, students across grades engaged in storytelling, arts and crafts, and discussions on the four 'R's—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Highlights included designing posters to promote planet care, creating musical instruments from recycled materials, and performing the song 'Save Our Planet' for younger students. The Parents’ Association contributed to the week's success with a book exchange, emphasizing the importance of reusing resources. The week concluded with students eagerly anticipating the emergence of butterflies from cocoons in the Collège Champittet garden, a living testament to the beauty and fragility of nature.
