Snow Shelters and Conservation Kells Students Embrace the Outdoors
Just a short ten-minute walk from Kells Elementary, the stunning Saint-Jacques Escarpment offers an outdoor classroom like no other. Several times a year, our students embark on learning adventures at this natural gem, discovering its seasonal trans- formations under the guidance of Ingrid Birker, the former Science Outreach Coordinator at the Redpath Museum. Ingrid’s passion for nature and preservation is both inspiring and contagious, making each visit a memorable experience. Animal Tracks and Conservation Lessons During the first session of the year, students be- came nature detectives, identifying various animal tracks in the snow. Their curiosity was further piqued when they met a local volunteer marking an invasive tree species for removal. This encoun- ter provided an unexpected yet valuable lesson about community-led conservation efforts and the importance of protecting our local ecosystem. To round out the visit, students engaged in a creative activity by making art in the snow, followed by a warming treat—pine needle tea, prepared with Ingrid’s expert touch.
Building Quinzhees: A Hands-On Experience
The winter’s heavy snowfall set the stage for the second session of Forest School. Grade 5 students joined in the fun, learning to build a quinzhee—a traditional Indigenous snow shelter. They worked together to carve an entrance into one started by the Grade 3-4 class and then began construction on their own. Once complete, they eagerly tested their shelters before warming up with a well- earned snack and hot drink. Ingrid shared the rich history of the Escarpment, reminding students that the land is unceded Indigenous territory. She also noted that the Kells quinzhees may be the first built in the area in a thousand years! The day was filled with teamwork, adventure, and a deep connection to nature— an unforgettable winter experience for all. With spring now in full swing, we can’t wait to see what the next sessions of Forest School will bring!
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Elementary 2290 Cavendish Montreal, Quebec, H4B 2M7 +1 514-487-2345 elementary@kells.ca
High School 6865 De Maisonneuve West Montreal, Quebec. H4B 1T1
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+1 514-485-8565 kadmin@kells.ca
KELLS ACADEMY SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER
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