How Kells Elementary is Leading the Way in Sustainable Education

In today’s world, where climate change, pollution, and environmental challenges are part of everyday headlines, schools have a vital role to play, not just in educating students about these issues, but in equipping them with the skills, values, and passion to be part of the solution.

At Kells Elementary, sustainable education isn’t a side project. It’s part of our identity. Throughout the year, our students engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect them to nature, spark critical thinking, and empower them to make a real difference in their world.

From school gardening and eco-leadership to outdoor classrooms and environmental workshops, Kells students are learning to become thoughtful stewards of the planet, one season, one project, and one action at a time.

Here’s how we’re bringing sustainability into the heart of learning all year long.

Year-Round Gardening and Hydroponics: Growing More Than Just Plants

One of the most exciting innovations this year has been the Gardening Flex class, where students explored the science and joy of growing their own food. This program goes far beyond a typical classroom lesson; students learn how plants grow, how to care for them, and how sustainable agriculture can help feed growing populations.

What made this year especially unique was the addition of a new hydroponic garden right in the school cafeteria. Students used this high-tech setup to grow herbs and vegetables without soil, using nutrient-rich water and LED lights. They were fascinated to watch their crops thrive indoors, gaining hands-on experience with sustainable agriculture techniques that are already shaping the future of farming.

Not only did this connect them to science and environmental studies, but it also encouraged them to reflect on food systems, water use, and climate-resilient farming practices.

Outdoor Education at the Saint-Jacques Escarpment: Nature as Our Classroom

Just ten minutes from campus lies the beautiful Saint-Jacques Escarpment, a natural sanctuary that has become a second classroom for our students through our Forest School program.

Under the guidance of Ingrid Birker, former Science Outreach Coordinator at the Redpath Museum, students visited the escarpment several times throughout the school year, each visit tied to seasonal learning, Indigenous teaching, and environmental themes.

Winter Wonder: Animal Tracking and Snow Shelters

During the winter sessions, students turned into nature detectives, learning how to identify animal tracks in the snow. Their excitement grew when they met a local volunteer tagging invasive tree species, a spontaneous moment that turned into a powerful lesson on community conservation.

Later in the season, students built quinzhees, traditional Indigenous snow shelters. They worked in teams to carve out entrances and construct their own snowy domes. Ingrid shared the deep cultural and historical significance of these shelters, reminding students that they were learning on unceded Indigenous territory.

These sessions combined physical activity, cultural education, and environmental awareness, making learning memorable, meaningful, and fun.

Spring Exploration: Discovering Changes in Nature

In the spring, students returned to the escarpment, now transformed with blooming trees and wildlife activity. With Ingrid’s guidance, they observed how the landscape had changed, explored new areas, and deepened their connection to the land.

Forest School isn’t just about nature walks; it’s about helping students develop ecological literacy and a personal relationship with the natural world. These are skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Student Leadership in Action: Peace Ambassadors Teach Sustainability

At Kells, we believe that students learn best when they lead by example. Our Peace Ambassadors, a group of student leaders, stepped up this year to promote sustainability in hands-on ways.

In the lead-up to Earth Day, they visited the Grade 1 and 2 students to teach them about recycling: what goes where, why it matters, and how we can all reduce waste. Their energy and commitment made a lasting impression.

On Earth Day, they organized a school-wide clean-up, inspiring their peers to take pride in their environment. Seeing students take the initiative to lead, teach, and act is proof that environmental education builds confidence and community.

Celebrating Earth Day: Creativity, Learning, and School Spirit

Our Earth Day celebration was a perfect showcase of what sustainable education looks like at Kells Elementary.

We began with a powerful storytime, as Ms. Miller read The Mess That We Made, a picture book about the impact of plastic on our oceans. Students asked thoughtful questions, shared their ideas, and reflected on what they could do to help protect marine life.

Afterward, every student placed a hand-painted Earth Day rock at the school’s entrance, each decorated with messages of hope, love, and environmental care. These vibrant rocks now serve as a daily reminder that we all have a part to play in protecting the planet.

To wrap up, students joined in the clean-up organized by the Peace Ambassadors, making our schoolyard sparkle and showing what teamwork and environmental responsibility can look like.

Sustainable Fashion Workshop: Rethinking What We Wear

Our commitment to sustainability also extends to the choices we make in our daily lives, including how we dress.

This spring, Grade 6 students participated in a sustainability workshop led by Audrey Henderson from Fashion Takes Action, a Canadian nonprofit promoting eco-friendly fashion.

Students learned about the 7 R’s of Sustainable Fashion—from reusing and repairing clothes to making smarter shopping choices. Through fun activities and thought-provoking discussions, they explored how fast fashion affects the planet and what they can do to reduce their environmental footprint.

This workshop helped students connect the dots between consumer habits and environmental impact, reinforcing the idea that even small choices can lead to big changes.

Intermiel Farm Field Trip: Learning from the Bees

This spring, students from Grades 1 to 4 visited Intermiel Farm, a local honey bee farm dedicated to sustainable beekeeping practices and environmental stewardship.

During their visit, students learned about the fascinating world of honey bees and their critical role in pollination, a process that supports the growth of many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we rely on every day. They discovered how bees contribute to biodiversity and why protecting pollinators is essential for a healthy ecosystem.

In addition to exploring the inner workings of a beehive and seeing beekeepers in action, students enjoyed time at the farm’s petting zoo, where they interacted with friendly animals and deepened their connection to the natural world.

This immersive experience sparked curiosity, encouraged environmental awareness, and reminded students that even the smallest creatures play a big role in sustaining life on Earth.

A Whole-School Commitment to Sustainability

Whether they’re planting herbs in the cafeteria, exploring a forest trail, or teaching peers about recycling, our students are developing the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At Kells Elementary, sustainable education is more than a trend; it’s a way of life. It’s woven into our curriculum, our culture, and our community. We're proud of our students for rising to the challenge, and we're excited to continue building a greener, brighter future together.