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 focused on creative ways to protect the planet. Students engaged in storytelling and arts and crafts to express their newfound knowledge. Grades 1 and 2 students hosted a breakfast for their parents to showcase their learning, while 3rd-graders read The Wolf Who Loved Trees and participated in activities centered around 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 promoting environmental care, now displayed around 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, encouraging reuse and the discovery of literary treasures. The week concluded with anticipation for the butterflies expected to emerge in the school garden, symbolizing the growth and learning that took place during Earth Week.
