All Intermediate – Groups

Landmark 16 (Renewable Energy)

Junior/Intermediate students made solar-powered ovens to cook up a tasty treat. Mini pizzas and s’mores were enjoyed on this hot summer day!

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – June 22, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

A big thanks to Michelle from Peterborough Pagans for coming to teach us how to play rugby today!

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – June 21, 2022

Landmark 20 (Plan and Conduct a Project)

Grade 6/7 students conducted an “Upcycle Cafe”! They identified a need for indoor recess games at school and designed games by reusing materials to reduce their environmental footprints. They used old wooden trays, dowels from a broken clothes drying rack, scraps of wood, boxes, clothes pegs, leftover coffee cups, and more. They learned many valuable skills and had a ton of fun along the way. Their games are getting lots of use!

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – June 20, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Students identified several types of edible plants. One student showed us grape vine leaves on the path behind our school. He and his family pick grape leaves to make a traditional Syrian dish. He described the process and told us that it takes a lot of work, but it is worth it in the end!

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – June 15, 2022

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

Grade 6/7 students studied the biodiversity of a nearby pond. We learned how plants act as natural filters to improve water quality.

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – June 13, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

We learned all about survival skills with Nature Nancy. Students had fun building shelters in the woods!

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – June 13, 2022

17. Three New Outdoor Skills (10 pts each) Due to their age, and at-home learning due to Covid, this is the first year that Grade 7 & 8 have learned Shot Put! We had a great Track and Field Day. Our awesome custodian stepped in and show us how it’s done! Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – 05/26/2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

We joined Nature Nancy and learned about the ‘Top 6 Priorities for Survival.” Number five is water and number 6 is food. We stopped along the way to find, and learn about, 5 edible plants. After our return, we made Cedar Tea. We had enough to share with other classes too!

Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – June 14, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

We joined Nature Nancy and learned about the ‘Top 6 Priorities for Survival.” Number 3 is shelters, so we split up into groups and got building!

Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – June 14, 2022

Landmark 18 (Natural Area Booklet, Blog or video)

The students brainstormed the components of a good Travel Guide. They then walked to Jackson Park to take several photos. They are creating electronic guides and translating some of it into French.

Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – May 20, 2022

Landmark 16 (Renewable Energy)

Students explored different forms of renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric) and drew diagrams to show how they work. We planned a virtual visit to Camp Kawartha Environment Centre and learned that it uses solar hot water, geothermal heating, conservation, and photovoltaic panels!

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – April 12, 2022

Landmark 20 (Plan and Conduct a Project)

Grade 6/7 students researched the complex journey of their t-shirts from production to their doorsteps. They read a book called “Follow Your Stuff” and watched a video on the lifecycle of a t-shirt and learned that there are many environmental, health, and socioeconomic concerns evident in each stage of production. They listed ways that they could reduce their environmental impact (donating/buying second-hand clothes, repurposing as rags or new clothing items, limiting what they purchase, finding textile drop-off bins, etc.

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – May 13, 2022

Landmark 20 (Plan and Conduct a Project)

Students completed a “‘Double’ Landmark: Schoolyard Report Card”. They drew a map, filled in a Report Card (Habitat for People and A Healthy Environment), took temperatures at a variety of locations (additional Science link), and are making recommendations to our school principal.

Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – May 13, 2022

Landmark 21 (Meet Other Cultures)

Students have been learning a lot about Ramadan and Eid-Al-Fitr from students who celebrate at our school. Today we had a school-wide Eid celebration with great food, music, dancing, & wonderful company. Students learned a Syrian dance, many students tried new food from OMG (Oasis Mediterranean Grill) restaurant, and learned to say, “Eid Mubarak!” Hearing students say things like, “We are so lucky!”, “Try this! It’s delicious!”, and, “Thanks for such a fun celebration!” made for an unforgettable day.

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – May 6, 2022

Landmark 23 (Design a Healthy Home)

Grade 6/7 students competed in a Minecraft building challenge called Peace with Nature where they designed sustainable and energy-efficient homes and communities. Students were very innovative, incorporating wind turbines and solar panels to power homes and businesses, harvesting rainwater and creating irrigation systems to water community gardens, and converting waste into biofuel and biodiesel companies to combat fossil fuels. Many homes were built with sustainable materials, including homes with strawbale walls/insulation, geothermal floors, and homes with a living green roof and walls. Students were greatly inspired by the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre. Working in groups, they designed 6 separate communities (each with multiple homes) in total.

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – May 5, 2022

Landmark 20 (Plan and Conduct a Project)

The students chose a product, or fashion item, and researched its ‘Life Cycle’. They created visual representations and then wrote a recommendation, to the company, to improve their environmental impact.

Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – May 6, 2022

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

Grade 6/7 students accompanied their grade 1/2 buddies to Jackson Park to explore the forest. We helped our grade 1/2 friends complete a scavenger hunt, and explored biodiversity in the habitat. We took pictures of the different species we found under rocks, in trees, and in/under logs. Students are now working to identify them.

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – April 5, 2022

Landmark 21 (Meet Other Cultures)

Grade 6/7 students met virtually with students in the English as a Second Language program at Adam Scott CVI and with representatives from the New Canadians Centre to meet and learn about communities in Canada and the amazing ways newcomers to Canada contribute to Canadian society.

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – April 25, 2022

Landmark 21 (Meet Other Cultures)

Our school enjoys the presence of many New Canadian friends. Several of them are currently observing Ramadan. Two students from our class, are doing daily announcements. We are learning new things every day. For example, did you know that there are Ramadan TV shows? A new one ‘drops’ each day of Ramadan. It is something many families look forward to.

Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – April 22, 2022

Landmark 18 (Natural Area Booklet, Blog or video)

For National Poetry Month in April, students wrote and compiled a book of poetry to celebrate Jackson Park. They were inspired by a nature walk and wanted to capture the moments that stood out to them the most.

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – April 15, 2022

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

Today we checked out “Frog Watch” and learned that frogs and toads have semi-permeable skin. We discussed how frogs and toads are amphibians and live in wetlands. We shared how humans are impacting wetland habitat and the affects this has on the frog and toad population. We hope to visit a nearby wetland on our walk next week.

Mrs. Kelly’s Grade 2/3 – April 13, 2022

Landmark 21 (Meet Other Cultures)

Today we met Bhisham Ramoutar from the New Canadian Centre. He spoke to our class about the New Canadian Centre, and what it is like to be an immigrant or refugee in a new Country. He also told us about his personal journey to Canada.

St Catherine CES Gr 5 E – March 8, 2022

(Landmark 20) Plan and Conduct a Project

We hosted a workshop for a Grade 5/6 class at Virtual elementary school (DCDSB) where we explored the importance of climate action through the lens of the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). We covered the impact UNDRIP created across the globe and the vital role UNDRIP plays in protecting Indigenous rights and climate action nationally and locally. We proposed a few actions for student to take to create positive change in the local community including:

1. Write a letter to your local MP on the following topics (not limited to these): Curve Lake drinking water, Indigenous rights, pipelines, etc
2. Invite an Indigenous Leader as a class speaker (online or in person)
3. Get outside and make a connection with landmarks, plant/animal species that resonated with what you’ve learned
4. Create spoken word or art pieces on what you learned- share with us on social media or via email

Kawartha World Issues Centre – February 4, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

We learned to snowshoe and ran some relays! This was combined with throwing beanbags at a target. It was our own version of Biathlon!

Highland Heights Gr 7/8 – February 27, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Junior and Intermediate participated in Olympic Games activities, including curling, snowshoe races/biathlon, a hockey shootout, and ‘luging’. Students and staff learned new skills and had an absolute blast! Grade 6/7 students said it was the “best school day ever.”

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – February 24, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Excellent learning and physical activity through fun and games.

St. Patrick 6/7 – February 7, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

We walked to a local outdoor rink and went skating. It was a first for a few of the students!

St. Patrick 6/7 – February 9, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Outdoor Winter Olympics (school – style!) Our students rotated through activities provided by the Grade 7/8 class, relay races, “curling”, luge, etc. for an entire morning of fun!

St. Patrick 6/7 – February 11, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

We spent a beautiful day snowshoeing outside on our field. Students learned how to snowshoe in fresh, deep snow. Some students enjoyed the challenge of snowshoeing up a “mountain” of plowed snow as well!

Highland Heights Gr 6/7 – February 9, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Barnardo Park- snowshoeing.

Queen Elizabeth Gr 8 – February 7, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

We worked on leadership and team building through tobogganing activities.

Queen Elizabeth Gr 6/7 – February 4, 2022

Landmark 16 (Renewable Energy)

We participated in the local fibre production activity (video and zoom call, exploring samples of Sheep and Alpaca wool). Students were very curious about the sheering process, and the cost of sheering versus the cost the wool is actually worth. They learned a lot about farming sheep and alpacas.

St. Patrick 6/7 – February 1, 2022

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

On the most beautiful winter morning blanketed with fluffy snow, Ms. Sullivan’s grade 8 class went snowshoeing in Barnardo Park. After some time in the open sunny field space, we moved to the cedar woods playing games and collecting cedar for tea. It was a perfect day for chilling in the snow!

Think Outside with Nature Nancy – January 25, 2022

Landmark 23 (Design a Healthy Home)

Students researched and built models of an energy-efficient home that would require less electricity/energy from traditional methods.
Lots of solar panels, wind turbines, gardens, rain barrels, and energy-efficient appliances. A couple really thought outside the box, including things like a library so people would spend less time on tech!

St. Patrick 6/7 – December 20, 2021
*photo is an illustration

Landmark 3 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Learning about Traditional Indigenous Knowledge we played three different games. Students participated in akratcheak, an Inuit high kicking game. We also participated in the Kneel Jump game and in the Muskox Push. We were taught the games by a representative from Camp Kawartha!

R F Downey 4-6 – December 10, 2021

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

My class participated in the Endangered Species Outdoor Education Program hosted by Camp Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre in our schoolyard. Students were engaged with the hands-on learning and fun.

St. Patrick 6/7 – November 2, 2021

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Dana Doyle’s class from Millbrook South-Cavan made their way to Medd’s Mountain Forest to create debris shelters. Having spent some time at Camp Kawartha learning about fire building and bow drills, this was a logical program to continue their survival skill knowledge. They used existing structures created by the trees and roots in the forest to create a shelter that would keep them warmer on a cold October night.

Think Outside with Nature Nancy – October 29, 2021

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Traditional shelter building using materials from deciduous forest stand.

Camp Kawartha – August 18, 2021

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

Nature meditation in forest.

Camp Kawartha – August 19, 2021

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

Scavenger hunt in meadow.

Camp Kawartha – August 13, 2021

Landmark 19 ( Explore Biodiversity)

Scavenger hunt in cedar forest.

Camp Kawartha – August 17, 2021

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

Today the students had a chance to explore biodiversity by finding out what lives in a wetland, forest, or meadow. They were able to activate prior knowledge from their own living areas, as well as learn about new species through an interactive presentation from ORCA. Students learned about what mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish live in our region. We also had a chance to be “Watershed Detectives” and look at photos of living things that determine whether or not it is a healthy ecosystem/water system. They loved trying to identify the different species of living things!

Donovan’s Super 6’s – May 31, 2021

Landmark 18 (Natural Area Booklet, Blog, or video)

Celebrate a Local Natural Area – We learned about the Otonabee Region Watershed and Jackson Park through a very interactive workshop with Merideth Carter from ORCA! She taught us lots about our local watersheds, including a look at our school and the areas around it. Students were able to identify where they live in relation to these local watersheds. Students listed all of the lakes and rivers found in the Otonabee Region and were excited to share their existing knowledge about these local waterways. As well, they learned about new places to go and explore with their families! They found the maps helpful in seeing the land that ORCA oversees.

Donovan’s Super 6’s – May 31, 2021

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

Attended presentation about wetlands and forests biodiversity.

Fantastic 5/6’s – May 13, 2021

Landmark 18 (Natural Area Booklet, Blog or video)

Attended ORCA presentation to learn about Otonabee Region Watershed.

Fantastic 5/6’s – May 13, 2021

Landmark 17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

Today the students enjoying creating some Mandela patterns in an artistic way, using materials found outdoors – both living and/or non-living.

Donovan’s Super 6’s – April 23, 2021

Landmark 20 (Plan and Conduct a Project)

Our intermediate students planned and ran outdoor activities for the whole school for a whole week! Our intermediate students last year had a deep learning project aimed at getting students active outside. This class built a gaga ball pit. This year’s Intermediate classes have continued to set up Intramurals using this pit and included it as part of their outdoor fun week. They also created their own social distancing games like one they called Hunger Games (thanks to Nature Nancy helping us acquire the materials we needed for this game!) This project lifted the spirits of every student and staff and got everyone outside enjoying the brisk spring air:)

Immaculate Conception – March 17, 2021

Landmark 19 (Explore Biodiversity)

I noticed one of our after-school children on the one side of the playground by the fence.This particular child has a very large interest in reptiles his favourite being snakes. He had discovered a couple of years ago that there is a den in the rock pile of Garter Snakes and keep a very close eye on the area once the weather warms up. There were no snakes yet but a few days of nice temperatures would help warm and wake them up. He very excitedly explained his plans for housing snakes with his neighbours at his home once summer was here. We then talked about past snakes he had caught and different habits and behaviours snakes have. I brought up Burnham woods as it’s an excellent spot to see Garter Snakes when they first come out of hibernation. The wonderful part about having a child like this in our after-school program is that he will in turn bring other children around and start discussions about snakes.

Northern Lights Children’s Daycare – March 22, 2021