Place-Based Learning

Place-based learning uses the local environment and community as the starting point for teaching the objectives of the curriculum. We will provide resources and create opportunities for cross-curricular learning on the land while fostering relationships between school and community. Teachers are expected and supported to take more learning outdoors for all the health and learning benefits that come with spending time outside and in nature.  Examples of this work include:

•Investment in equipment for outdoor activities and learning

•Ensuring all students have access to clothing, and footwear for outdoor activities

•Participation in the year-long Take Me Outside For Learning Challenge

•Support for educator participation in learning opportunities to build capacity for outdoor learning (Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association workshops and network, Environmental Education Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) partnerships, Open Learning Store webinars, Outdoor Council of Canada certification, other)

•Interactive digital map of place-based learning sites, resources, and opportunities

•Relationships with community educators, organizations, and facilities to bring community educators into the classroom and students out into community settings

•Independent Directed Study (IDS) framework to honour community and cultural learning with graduation program credits

Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER in, on, with, and from the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District land and communities:

Golden Buckle Challenge

Skyline Alternate

A few of the youth have decided to do the Cariboo Memorial Complex Golden Buckle challenge. Was a fun day walking in the woods.

Buddy Time at the Dairy Fields

Cataline Elementary

Mr. Armstrong's class weekly attends the Dairy Fields to participate in place based science and literacy learning. Bi-weekly, they bring their little buddies along to explore the dairy fields. We are lucky to be so close to an amazing place!

Fitness Friday goes Outside

Cataline Elementary

Students at Cataline participate in circuit PE classes on Fridays. As the weather has warmed, we’ve been able to move circuits outside. Stations stay up during recess and lunch, giving students a chance to practice their slack line, badminton, and ladder ball skills among others!

PSO Junior Fire Crew

Peter Skene Ogden Secondary

Students from PSO have been working with BC WildFire Service in the Junior Fire Crew program. Student's learn from active fire service members, work on fitness and related skills to wildfire fighting, as well as receive accreditation in S100 and First Aid courses. It's an amazing program, that focuses on local needs and expertise and often results in jobs for students later.

Fossil Dig

150 Mile Elementary

Mrs. Vath and Mrs. McKimm took their classes to a local area for a fossil dig. All students learned the proper etiquette and basic skills necessary to search for and identify fossils. Great hands on science!

PSO Participates in Earth Day

Peter Skene Ogden Secondary

Several classes took time out of their day to clean up around our school and surrounding community on Earth Day (April 22nd). Science 10 classes connected their acts of service to discussions around sustainability and connection to our home communities. Their work was greatly appreciated by our school community!

Collaboration in the Great Outdoors

100 Mile Elementary

In their journey to enhance outdoor education, two teachers, Ms. Speers and Ms. Hunt, have been walking together (figuratively AND literally!) in their quest for knowledge and experience. Ms. Speers was looking for some support to take her class to the park and Ms. Hunt, the librarian, had collaboration time and wanted to focus on outdoor learning. They made a plan to take their Grade 3/4 class to the park every week, creating an engaging learning environment beyond the traditional classroom. As they explore nature's wonders together, they share ideas and resources, learning from each other and observing how their students interact with the world around them. This partnership is not only enriching their teaching practices but also fostering a supportive atmosphere where both teachers can grow and develop their skills in outdoor education, ultimately benefiting their students' learning experiences.

Outdoor Learning in Action – Playground Polygons

Tatla Lake Elementary Junior Secondary 

Today, our primary students stepped outside the classroom and into the sunshine and fresh air for a fun and hands-on math activity: Playground Polygons! Armed with sidewalk chalk and masking tape, learners explored geometry in a creative and active way. Using the schoolyard as their canvas, students worked to create a variety of polygons — from triangles to hexagons — turning math into vibrant, collaborative art.

Surviving in the Cariboo

Lake City Secondary

CORE students had the unique privilege of working alongside Elder in Residence, Aubrey Jackson, as he shared the art of fire-building—a skill rooted deeply in tradition and connection to nature. Using nothing but cedar, fine wood shavings, and the raw power of friction, Aubrey brought a flame to life, transforming simple materials into a blazing testament to resilience and ingenuity.

Mystery Science

Cataline Elementary

Teachers at Cataline are enriching their science program using Mystery Science lessons and activities to help support their classroom programming. Students are actively engaged in fun and exciting place-based activities that help students challenge their inquires and explore and analyze their findings through hands-on learning.

All it Takes is Some Extra Wood

Cataline Elementary

Cataline students were introduced to a kind gesture from a community neighbour when they arrived at school on morning. Noticing Cataline students love to make forts in the school forest, a friendly neighbour donated some spare, cleaned wood pieces for our students to use to support their creativity and spark their imaginations. Students were super excited to get started on their creations. Now the wood is used in collection with Cataline's fort making kits.

Take Me Outside Winter Challenge

Tatla Lake Elementary Junior Secondary 

Students at Tatla Lake School embraced the outdoors as part of the Take Me Outside Winter Challenge! Sponsored by Take Me Outside, the challenge encouraged students across the country to connect with nature and stay active outside during the winter months.

As part of our place-based learning focus, students completed a variety of outdoor activities, tracking their time spent outside on our official Take Me Outside activity tracker. From outdoor art and reading to nature walks and winter games, the challenge helped our students deepen their connection to the land while fostering collaboration, creativity, and a love of the outdoors.

We’re excited to share that by submitting our completed tracker, Tatla Lake School was randomly selected as a winner—and received a gift card to the Take Me Outside store!

This initiative is just one example of how SD27 schools are using local, outdoor environments as rich learning landscapes to inspire curiosity, wellness, and stewardship in our students.

Take Me Outside

100 Mile Elementary

At 100 Mile Elementary, the focus on outdoor education transforms learning into an exciting adventure. Mrs. Varney's kindergarten class takes full advantage of this emphasis on place-based learning, often venturing into the local park for purposeful lessons. This beautiful park serves as a vibrant extension of the classroom, where children engage with the natural world and discover the stories of the land. We hold deep gratitude for this precious space, which enhances their learning experience.

Mrs. Varney emphasizes, “So many of our students are familiar with the park as a place to play and enjoy with their families. Having the opportunity to visit this familiar space and use it to teach about science and the environment will hopefully help students share what they learn with their families. The beautiful setting also naturally leads the students to observe and use all their senses to share ideas and ask questions about what they see, hear, or feel. Nature brings a sense of calmness and focus to our lessons.”

Alongside Mrs. Varney, Penny Reid, the Indigenous Support Worker, shares her vast knowledge of Secwepemc culture. She notes, “Indigenous teachings include a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all living things.” This perspective helps students learn about their important connection to the land and its significance in Indigenous traditions.

The immersive experience fosters curiosity, respect for nature, and self-confidence as children navigate their outdoor environment. Additionally, outdoor learning develops self-regulation strategies, allowing them to manage their emotions and behaviors better. Importantly, this approach empowers students to become stewards of the land, instilling a sense of responsibility for its care. By embracing this model, Mrs. Varney's class cultivates a love for exploration and deepens their understanding of community and culture, making every lesson an enriching adventure that resonates with their everyday lives.

Light Exploration "under the table"

Cataline StrongStart

Cataline StrongStart families thoroughly enjoyed the shadow play provocation set up under a table! Flashlights and items to cast various shadows were made available and WOW so much fun! The stories that were told while the shadows moved about we absolutely delightful. Science and literature together creating a spectacular adventure. One little friend was delighted when they made a "moon" above the animals.

Mountview Outdoor Rink

Mountview Elementary

Big smiles and sweaty brows from Mountview students enjoying our outdoor rink.

Forest Fridays

Mountview Elementary

Mountview is fortunate to have a forested area right behind our school where our students can play and learn. Each Friday afternoon, our K/1 classes head down and have fun learning during 'Forest Friday' activities. Big Douglas Fir trees help us learn big ideas.

Get Me Gardening!

100 Mile Elementary

In Mrs. Simcox's class, gardening is a daily joy that brings numerous benefits to our students. As they dig in the soil and tend to our community garden, children connect with important lessons from the B.C. Social Studies curriculum. They learn about land use and sustainability while discovering the impact of local food production on our community. Gardening sparks their curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions about ecosystems and environmental care. Through teamwork and shared responsibility, our students also experience the joys of collaboration and civic engagement. It’s a heartwarming way for them to grow, learn, and thrive together!

Science in the Park

100 Mile Elementary

Visiting Centennial Park offers a fantastic opportunity for Ms Dolinski’s 4/5 class to engage with nature and meet key learning outcomes from the B.C. Science curriculum. At the park, students can observe ecosystems, interact with various plants and animals, and explore earth materials like rocks and soil. These experiences foster curiosity and encourage them to ask questions about their surroundings, enhancing their understanding of interconnectedness. By participating in outdoor activities, children learn about stewardship and responsibility for the environment. This hands-on exploration not only supports scientific inquiry but also promotes a sense of belonging and appreciation for the natural world.

Spectacular Snow

100 Mile Elementary

In the Cariboo we are fortunate to live in a place where mother nature gives us a glorious winter season. PE outside, whole-school nature walks, lessons in kindness to the earth and each other, skiing lessons at our local Nordic Club - these are just some of the ways that teachers of 100 Mile Elementary take their learning outdoors so that students have greater opportunities to find enjoyment in the cold and deeper their connection to place.

Columneetza Students Visit the Community of Esk'et

Columneetza Junior Secondary

Teachers Ms. McCartney and Ms. Billyboy took Columneetza students to visit elders and knowledge keepers at Esk'et in the Fall of 2024. Students got to learn about the land, hear stories about the territory, experience a drum circle and share the day with amazing community members. Students will get another opportunity to visit Esk'et before the end of the school year.

Ms. McCoubrey's Grade 7 Class Rakes Leaves for Columneetza's Neighbours

Columneetza Junior Secondary

Ms. McCoubrey's Grade 7 students rake leaves for the school's neighbours and have a little fun while they are working. It is all of our responsibility to help one another.

Cariboo Compost Visits

Nesika Elementary

Thank you Oliver from Cariboo Compost for coming in and teaching lots of our students the benefit of composting! 🌿 We appreciate our community partnership!

Nesika does the "Great Big Crunch!"

Nesika Elementary

Nesika joined in the cross-Canada fun by participating in the annual Great Big Crunch! Our students and staff all came together to enjoy a healthy crunchy snack (APPLES!) and celebrate the importance of good nutrition. It is a great way to promote healthy eating and raise awareness about the benefits of locally grown food (BC Gala Apples!). A big thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a success!

Simple Machines

Lac La Hache Elementary 

Instead of just reading about simple machines in books, Lac La Hache students have been working with simple machines in real life situations. In the attached pictures the students experienced how much easier it was moving a heavy object with a pulley system as opposed to just brute force.

Cold Weather Training at Scout Island

Cataline Elementary

Scout Island educator Mr. Kruus leads Ms. Riley’s class in learning about cold weather exposure and how to react. Students learned how to ‘burrito’ a hypothermic person and carry them to safety. Students, as always, also enjoyed exploring the nature house and playing man tracker on the island.

Cold Science

150 Mile Elementary

During our recent cold snap, students at 150 Mile took to outside to investigate temperature and it's impact on objects. Determining the freezing time and effect on bubbles was a very engaging lesson by Mrs. Vath! While it might have been -24 degrees, the students hardly noticed as they conducted their experiments.

Playing Outside

Alexis Creek Elementary Junior Secondary 

When it's cold outside and the sun is shining, it is fun to play and make snow angels.

Poops and Prints!

Cataline Elementary

Ms. Mary Forbes spent the week presenting to students about animal poop and prints local to the Cariboo. Even though the weather was cold, students were still able to engage with place based learning through Mary’s excellent hands on examples. Thanks for the visit, Mary!

Learning about Cold Stress

Nesika Elementary

Ms. Campsall’s grade 5/6 class had a full outdoor learning day at Scout Island. There they learned about “Cold Stress” - examining ice safety, hypothermia, and practiced how to treat a cold stressed person. Fantastic day!

Cross Country Skiing Day

Lac La Hache Elementary School

The Lac La Hache Students had a wonderful day cross-country skiing with the 100 Mile Nordic Ski Society this week. The students enjoyed the lessons and greatly improved their skills.

Cross Country Skiing in Tatla Lake

Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Our school is proud to bring place-based learning to life through a weekly cross-country skiing program, supported by the Tatla Lake Ski Club. This initiative connects students with the outdoors while promoting physical activity and an appreciation for nature. A series of loop trails that total over 30 km in length are found just minutes from our school!

Measuring Water Levels

150 Mile Elementary

Students at 150 Mile were measuring water depth using sticks and relative comparisons to find the deepest part of the creek behind the school. While the creek is only about 20 cm at it's deepest, this ill advised, and unsuccessful, jump, resulted in learning first hand about very cold water and a better understanding of following teacher instructions. Experiential learning at it's finest!

Ready, Set, Learn - WINTERFEST

Early Learning, Ready Set, Learn

The SD27 Early Learning Team, hosted "Winterfest" at the Cariboo Memorial Complex on December 13, 2024 to promote physical literacy. Families were welcomed into the arena and given equipment and opportunity to get out on the ice and skate. A huge thank-you to our community partner the Cariboo Conservation Society for bringing free skates for folks to have from their "skates for all" program. We had over 100 people join us for skating, crafts, snowman bowling, a snowball toss, cookie decorating and a mitten hunt. It was amazing to see so many people, (from 1 month old to 76 years old), out on the ice joining the snowman for a wonderful skate.

Horse Lake Staff Members Participate in "Below Zero" Activities

Horse Lake Elementary

Several members of the Horse Lake Staff gathered on Professional Day for a workshop on taking learning outside with Below Zero Activities. Facilitated by Roland and Jessica from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the workshop provided participants with many outdoor activities that take advantage of our winter climate that they could use with their students. Our teachers studied snow flake patterns, animal adaptations in winter, animal tracking in the snow, and conducted experiments that demonstrated the insulating qualities of snow and other natural and synthetic materials. We all left the workshop with an Activity Guide full of outdoor activities that address our curricular goals across all grades.

Scout Island Visit

150 Mile Elementary

Students form Mrs. Coulombe's K/1 class visited Scout Island to learning about animal behaviours and habitat through winter months, local ecosystems and walk the trails. Huge shout out to the staff at Scout Island for their dedicated work hosting our students.

Wild & Immersive Program at Tatla Lake

Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Students recently participated in a Wild & Immersive learning experience at Tatla Lake, where they explored their local environment through hands-on activities and practical skill-building. They identified animal tracks like wildlife biologists, honing observation skills while discovering the behaviors and habitats of local species. Fire-building activities challenged students to use flint and steel and bow drills. Crafting makeshift snowshoes highlighted resourcefulness and connected students to traditional methods of navigating snowy terrain. These activities not only taught essential survival skills but also fostered critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. The day’s highlights included moments of teamwork and reflection, such as gathering around a campfire to share bannock and roast marshmallows. This 'Wild' experience demonstrated the power of place-based education to inspire and build curiosity.

Winter Poetry

150 Mile Elementary

Our Grade 2/3 and 4/5 "Reading Buddies" took to the outside for some language arts. Moving to the WLFN Creek area behind the school the students used the outdoors for inspiration for their poetry writing activity. The venue proved great for inspiring our students to write some very creative poems.

A Trip to Polley Mine

Marie Sharpe Elementary

After completing a unit on resource management, Mr. Parkin took his grade 5/6 class to Mt. Polley Mine for a tour. Students were treated to a full tour of the mine and its operations. This was an amazing day that enriched the learning and had students fully engaged. A huge thank you to Mt. Polley and their employees for taking the time to do this for us.

Animal Adaptations

Nesika Elementary

Winter weather is here, and classes are learning about local animal adaptations. Students in Mme Jones' class know that huddling up like a nest is a great way for small mammals to stay warm. As they demonstrate, it's good for fourth and fifth graders too!

Students at Scout Island

Chilcotin Road Elementary

Grade 5/6 students learning from experts in their field at Scout island. Excellent learning can happen outside the 4 walls of the classroom.

Sledding

Lac La Hache Elementary

It was wonderful to see how active and playful the students were after our first snowfall of the season. What a wonderful to turn our setting into a natural playground.

Deer Scavenger Hunt

Lac La Hache Elementary

Scout Island Environmental Educator Mary Forbes used the grounds around Lac La Hache school to help the students recognize various signs that demonstrated that deer had been in the area. Through this experience the students became much better at observing nature and were surprised with just how much evidence we were able to uncover for deer as well as other animals. It was great to have nature be our classroom.

E3: Environmental Experience Exposure---Growing Day

Lake City Secondary

On a classic autumn day, a group of LCSS students were taken to Puddle Produce, a local organic vegetable farm to meet Brianna Van De Wijngaard. The students toured the site and then participated in some late fall garden chores in the lower fields along the Fraser River.  The goal was to expose student to the opportunity of growing organic vegetables in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.  Special thanks to Martin Kruus (Scout Island), Mark Gill (UBC Wild and Immersive), Puddle Produce, and DRAX Community Fund!

Nesika School Learns HCTF Project WET

Nesika Elementary

On Take Me Outside for Learning day, staff and students at Nesika participated in a full day of station rotations learning all about WATER. In Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation's (HCTF) "Project WET" workshop, educators learn all about teaching about water and watersheds. Educators must take the workshops as part of our commitment to being an HCTF WILD School. We choose to do our learning alongside our students as it's a richer learning experience for all of us. Thank you Martin Kruus for leading our workshop and supporting our work to take students outside for learning!

On the Land Learning and Playing

Chilcotin Road Elementary

Grade 5/6 went to Gavin Lake for a wonderful time of outdoor learning and play. They are building memories to last a lifetime.

TMOFL Grade 4's Living Their Best Life Outside

Chilcotin Road Elementary

Mrs. Ferguson's grade 4's are learning on the land. What a beautiful day to be outside. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be outside.

Local Learning Environment

Horsefly Elementary Junior

The local environment can make an ideal setting for a PE class.

Learning Outdoors

WILD School

With the immense help of Jessica and Roland from WILD Schools our students went outside to learn about habitat, life cycles and seasons. Activities ranged from walks, to scavenger hunts and immersive games.

Horse Lake Grade 5/6 Students Incorporate Outdoor Learning to Manage Emotions

Horse Lake Elementary

In Ms. Posnikoff and Mr. Helmer’s grade 5/6 class, students engage in a variety of activities that promote both academic and social-emotional learning. The use of Take Me Outside for Learning (TM04L) helps students with centering and regrouping, essential skills for managing their emotions and focusing on tasks.

The class incorporates outdoor activities that are described as grounding. For instance, one student finds solace and grounding by smelling the fresh forest air and climbing a deciduous tree during times of conflict. This connection to nature not only aids in emotional regulation but also fosters a sense of calm and mindfulness among students.

Horse Lake Kindergarten Students Participate in the Potato Harvest

Horse Lake Elementary

Horse Lake Kindergarten Teacher, John Foote, took learning outside for his kindergarten students as part of their Science program. Students travelled to the Horse Lake Farm Cooperative and participated in the potato harvest. Building on the Kindergarten Big Ideas that plants have observable features, and that daily and seasonal changes affect all living things, the students learned about the life cycle of the potato plants and enthusiastically dug for potatoes. Farmer Rob Diether showed the students his antique tractor and demonstrated how it is used to harvest the potatoes.

Moving (outside) in the Right Direction

Cataline Elementary

While participating in the Take Me Outside for Learning challenge, Cataline teachers continued their commitment to place-based learning and getting outdoors. Students were actively doing activities taking to the outdoors or bringing the outdoors into the classroom. From writing to art or connecting fort building to math, students are really enjoying being outside for learning.

Planting During the First Snow

Cataline Elementary

Mrs. Sache and Mrs. Ulrich kindergarten and grade 1 students went to work outside, getting their hands dirty in preparation for spring. Even though the snow was falling, and fingers were cold and noses wet, students had so much fun digging holes, getting dirty, and planting their bulbs. Strong Start teacher, Mrs. Schindle also came out to assist and encourage these future botanists, as well as EAs, Kera-Lee and Chelsea, who rolled up their sleeves with the students, helping put holes in the ground. What a fun afternoon!

Take Me Outside for Learning

Marie Sharpe Elementary

TMO4L Week got all of us outside for great learning opportunities. Classes spent time at Scout Island, walking through our neighbourhood to conduct polls, and all over our school grounds for math, art, and gym. Here we see Ms. Campbell's class taking in an amazing Fall Day while creating nature art.

Shelter Building

Lake City Secondary

Students in Carolyn Chupa's CORE 10-12 were tasked with creating outdoor survival shelters.

Fire Building with Core 10-12

Lake City Secondary

Students were challenged with the best way to build a fire in Carolyn Chupa's CORE class. Some students also took time to smudge.

Cataline TMOFL Week Challenge

Cataline Elementary

To expand on the Take Me Outside for Learning challenge, Cataline teachers were further challenged to get their classes outdoors for learning. Each day, teachers were encouraged to take learning outside using school and Take Me Outside resources. Teacher were then asked to complete a “Exit Ticket” documenting the lesson or activity, where they could then enter to win staff/class prizes to help with further outdoor activities.

Cataline had 100% teacher participation rate during the TMOFL Week! In all, teachers may have received a prize and students were engaged in the outdoors, sparking interest and fostering further outdoor learning opportunities.

Outdoor Investigations No Matter the Weather

Cataline Elementary

Mrs. Sache utilized Cataline’s outdoor learning structure to protect her students from the wet and cold weather to inspire outdoor curiosity. Students were able to sit and remain dry while exploring the properties of sunflowers and their seeds.

Tree and Insect Identification at Forest Grove Elementary

Forest Grove Elementary

Staff and students were able to spend the day in the park exploring and learning in the outdoors. Stations involved tree identification, insect identification, trapping and tracking, and a nature hike.

Hike in the Woods Searching for Mushrooms!

Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior

Students enjoy searching for mushrooms and learning about trees, counting tree rings to learn the age of the tree.

Partnering with Local Experts and Knowledge Keepers

Mile 108 Elementary

Learning more about forest heritage and increasing awareness about this valuable and renewable resource.

Take Me Outside Today

Skyline Alternate School

Scout Island scavenger hunt was a perfect place to be for Take Me Outside Day.

Gavin Lake Forestry Camp - Outdoor School Program

Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Our grade 5-7 class spent three incredible days at Gavin Lake Forestry Camp, coinciding perfectly with Take Me Outside Day! The camp's outdoor school program provided an enriching learning experience, allowing students to engage in activities like archery, canoeing, beaver habitat exploration, and orienteering. This immersive environment encouraged fun while fostering educational growth in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom. As always, Gavin Lake proved to be a highlight for staff and students, offering students a deeper connection with nature and a memorable learning adventure.

Get Outside!

Anahim Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Look what we get up to when it snows. Guest chef Stephanie visited us today, helping us to make buns, burgers and cupcakes. Then we got to enjoy cooking our burgers on the grill outside before indulging in all kinds games. Snow bowling anyone?

Lake City Secondary Candidates Forum

Lake City Secondary

NDP candidate Michael Moses answers questions from students.

Scout Island

150 Mile Elementary

Mrs. Coulombe's K-1 class went to Scout Island to learn about habitat, local plants, and insects. The hands on learning activities are very engaging and fun for all levels.

Biodiversity in our Environment

Nesika Elementary

Students in Mrs. McKinnon's grade 3/4 class have been learning about biodiversity and how all of the living things in our environment are interconnected. They took their roles as scientists, observers and biologists seriously as they created scientific diagrams of some interesting living things in the school yard. They worked to develop independence with their spelling skills as they labelled their diagrams. The activity culminated with a sharing circle where everyone was able to identify a different living organism in our local environment.

Leaders Learning on the Land

District

A group of school and district leaders were honoured this summer to have Dancing Water Sandy take us out to gather medicinal plants and learn about their use. It was a special learning opportunity.

District Leadership Team Walking the Talk of Outdoor Learning

District

The District Leadership Team of PVP, Manager, and senior management spent time together in August engaged in outdoor learning to be able to bring the experience and activities back to schools and sites.

Fall Harvest

Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Our school enjoyed a fall harvest field trip to a local garden, where students had the opportunity to dig up root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets. The harvest was a hands-on way for students to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of local farming. The vegetables gathered will be used for both our Thanksgiving dinners and the school lunch program, supporting our goal of providing nutritious, locally sourced meals to students. Thank you to the Porter family for your generosity!

Cataline Goes Gleaning

Cataline Elementary

Mr. Wilson’s class took a trip today to Soda Creek Sweet Corn to participate in ‘gleaning’ (the process of collecting excess produce from farms to provide for those in need). The extra produce is donated to a variety of organizations and in part to the Williams Lake Food Bank. Thanks to Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society for providing this opportunity to our students to put some kindness and love into our community!

PSO Salmon Dissection

Peter Skene Ogden 

The Environmental Science 11 class at PSO learned about the life cycles and cultural importance of salmon. The highlight was the salmon dissection day!

Thursday Hike in Nemiah Valley, Students were on a Mushroom Finding Expedition!

Naghtaneqed Elementary Junior Secondary School

Students observing and finding various mushroom species. 

Library Class Outside at Forest Grove Elementary

Forest Grove Elementary

Story time in our outdoor shelter with Mrs. V during the beautiful September weather.

Having Fun Being Kids

Skyline Alternate School 

Kids just being kids.

Nature Journals at our Sit Spots

Nesika Elementary

After reading Me and My Sit Spot by Lauren MacLean and illustrated by Anna Panchuk, Mrs. McKinnon's grade 3/4 class ventured outdoors to choose a sit spot of their own. They sat quietly for a few moments, some switching spots that were better suited to them and then everyone settled into nature journaling about what they could see, hear, smell and feel. Students gathered together afterwards to share ideas and then completed a scavenger hunt outdoors as well. At the end of the week, one student reflected on the experience as something that inspired them.

Rose Hips

Alexis Creek Elementary

We were on a field trip and came across some rose hips growing near the Chilcotin River. We know from some of Annette's teachings and her plant walks near Alexis Creek School, that you can make tea from rose hips. We decided to pick some and save them up for learning to make tea. 

Big Lake - Walking Together

Big Lake Elementary

After reading the story "Walking Together" several times by Elder Albert Marshall and Louise Zimanyi, Big Lake students completed a few different collaborative projects - nature murals and wild animals.