In celebration of Earth Month, Grade 5 and 6 students in Ms. Penuela’s class at St. Elizabeth School took a hands-on approach to learning about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community care. Through an inspiring garden construction project, students not only built valuable skills but also contributed to a brighter, more sustainable future for their school and neighbourhood.
A Garden of Opportunity
The students began by planting garlic and 175 tulip bulbs in the school’s front garden beds, setting the stage for a vibrant and productive growing space. Over the following months, they worked to expand the garden into a community hub, developing eight raised beds dedicated to growing fresh vegetables for local families in need.
The garden quickly became a living classroom where students learned about soil health, food production, and the importance of caring for the Earth. The project also formed part of a broader collaboration with Notre Dame High School, where students from both schools worked together to grow food and hope for the community.
Earth Month served as the perfect backdrop for this initiative. Students explored topics such as sustainability, local food systems, and responsible consumption. Through the simple act of planting and nurturing their garden, they discovered how small actions can have a lasting impact on the environment and on others. Using organic gardening techniques and growing food locally allowed them to experience firsthand how sustainability begins with everyday choices.
Giving Back to the Community
A central focus of the project was community support. All vegetables harvested from the garden were designated for donation to local families, ensuring that the students’ hard work directly benefited others. This element of giving back reinforced the principles of Earth Month and connected students’ classroom learning to real-world compassion and service.
As the garden flourished, so did the students’ sense of pride. They understood that their efforts were helping others while also protecting the planet. It was a living lesson in empathy, generosity, and shared responsibility.
Collaboration and Teamwork
The partnership with Notre Dame High School added an exciting and meaningful dimension to the project. Working alongside older students allowed the younger learners to collaborate, learn new techniques, and build relationships across age groups. This intergenerational teamwork strengthened community connections and modelled what it means to work together toward a common goal.
Beautifying the School Grounds
The 175 tulip bulbs planted earlier in the year bloomed into a stunning display of colour across the schoolyard, symbolizing renewal and hope. These flowers did more than brighten the grounds. They supported local pollinators such as honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, essential in maintaining the health of Ottawa’s ecosystems. The project became a living example of how caring for nature benefits people and the planet.
A Lasting Impact
Through their efforts, students at St. Elizabeth School grew more than plants. They cultivated awareness, compassion, and a sense of empowerment. Their garden symbolized how learning can extend beyond the classroom to inspire positive change in the world.
The Earth Month Garden Project reflected the values at the heart of Catholic education: care for creation, service to others, and stewardship of God’s world. By planting seeds both literally and figuratively, the students demonstrated that even small acts of care can grow into something extraordinary.
