Round Hill School

Video

About our Garden

Please describe your garden, is it raised beds, in the ground, do you have a greenhouse?

Our expansive garden features raised mounded compost rows, straw walking paths, and low-till spaces, embodying sustainable agricultural practices

What grade levels worked in the garden and did you or another teacher link some of your curriculum outcomes to the garden?

. This vibrant garden was built and is lovingly maintained by Round Hill School students, in collaboration with the Round Hill Rural Agricultural Foundation (www.RHRAF.com) and dedicated community members. The hands-on involvement in gardening has provided students with invaluable practical knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the food they eat and the work it takes in order to grow sustainable, nutritious food.

We also grew microgreens throughout the year and distributed them weekly during lunch so that students were able to taste different varieties and either add them to existing lunch items like sandwiches, pizza etc, or make a small salad out of them. Students started to identify favourite flavours and we tailored our (junior high) planted to suit those requests. Microgreen days were always a favourite with the k-3 classes and the bowls were quickly emptied.

What vegetables/fruit do you grow in your garden? What do you have a difficult time growing in your school garden?

We planted potatoes, carrots, peas, tomatoes, beets, beans, onions, squash, pumpkins, kohlrabi, and a variety of edible flowers.

What classes participate in the garden, what subjects are taught in the garden?

Students worked alongside local volunteers to plant, worked together on upkeep

Who manages the garden day to day? Who manages the garden over the Summer break?

Students worked alongside local volunteers to plant, worked together on upkeep

What do you do with the harvest from your garden? Do you have a harvest celebration? Do you use it in the cafeteria, or culinary classes? Do you donate some of the produce?

We recently completed our harvest where each student in the school was able to take a large bag of vegetables home. Parents sent photos of students washing, preparing, cooking and eating their harvested food.

We also grew microgreens throughout the year and distributed them weekly during lunch so that students were able to taste different varieties and either add them to existing lunch items like sandwiches, pizza etc, or make a small salad out of them. Students started to identify favourite flavours and we tailored our (junior high) planted to suit those requests. Microgreen days were always a favourite with the k-3 classes and the bowls were quickly emptied.

Students have not only learned about food but have also gained practical kitchen skills. The confidence they have developed in preparing meals has been echoed by an increase in parent feedback, noting how their children are more involved in meal preparation at home. Many parents have reported that their children are now taking the initiative to help with cooking and even preparing meals on their own, a testament to the life skills imparted by the program.
Serving and Sharing Meals
Students serve the prepared meals to Round Hill students and staff, their families, and community members. This not only allows students to enjoy meals with their families but also provides opportunities to dine with friends' families, siblings, neighbors, and other community members. This communal dining experience strengthens the social fabric of our school and community. This also provides students with the opportunity to put into practice their Albert Food Safety Basics Certification and demonstrate the skills they have learned throughout this process.

Do you have community involvement? Do you have parents and volunteers? Have been able to source other funding to help your garden grow?

Students worked alongside local volunteers to plant, worked together on upkeep.

One of the most cherished aspects of the program is the preparation of food by our Grade 6-9 students, who work alongside a dedicated group of seniors and parents. This intergenerational collaboration is a cornerstone of our program, creating a beautiful exchange of knowledge, skills, and stories. The seniors share their culinary wisdom and life experiences, while students bring fresh perspectives and energy to the table. This dynamic interaction enriches the learning experience, forging strong bonds within our community.