Beechwood Celebrates Earth & Nutrition Week

submitted by Joanna Turowetz, Vice-President Beechwood Home & School

Beechwood Elementary came alive as students and staff celebrated Earth Week and Nutrition Week through engaging, hands-on activities focused on wellness, environmental awareness, and community connection.

Nutrition Week began with a workshop for Cycle One students, organized by the Home & School Association. Mr. Vanson and his culinary students from Pierrefonds Community High School guided younger students in making yogurt parfaits. From cutting fresh fruit to layering ingredients, students learned basic culinary skills while enjoying a fun and interactive experience. It was especially meaningful to see high school students sharing their knowledge with younger learners, fostering a strong sense of community and connection between the schools.

Thanks to a generous donation from Fruit Dome, fresh fruit was provided daily, including apples, oranges, and pears. Students eagerly looked forward to each day’s healthy snack, building excitement around nutritious choices. The Home & School team also organized a smoothie workshop for K4 and K5 students, followed by a school-wide distribution. With frozen fruit donated by Nature’s Touch, the smoothies were a refreshing and nutritious success that students thoroughly enjoyed.

Earth Week activities encouraged students to reflect on their role in protecting the planet. A highlight was the mobile planetarium experience organized by Ms. Armstrong and led by Trevor Kjorlien from Plateau Astro. Every class visited the planetarium to explore constellations and learn about the Artemis mission, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Earth’s place in the universe.

The week concluded with an Earth Day assembly organized by Ms. Patricia Aldred. Students participated through performances, recycling presentations, and a Grade 6 video. The assembly also highlighted an initiative with All Hands and Hearts, led by Ms. Marlee and Grade 3/4 students, supporting the rebuilding of a school in the Philippines and encouraging global awareness.

Environmental efforts continued with battery, bottle, and can collections, raising over $100 for Beechwood’s Jump Rope for Heart initiative, led by Mr. Austin, in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation—a great example of students making a real impact through small actions.

To close the week, every student and staff member planted and took home a pothos cutting with support from Home & School, the community, and Éco-quartier Pierrefonds-Roxboro. Students also enjoyed a healthy lunch organized by Ms. Donna Pinchuk and the SEED Daycare, bringing the week to a warm and memorable close.