The idea behind our family planting day was simple– we envisioned a gathering of children and adults participating in a healthy activity in the beautiful outdoors! We also hoped to begin to create a sense of community; a slow process that takes time, commitment and trust. Kate, Ian and I planned out the day to include refreshing the soil in the beds, planting seeds and seedlings and enjoying a scrumptious snack of homemade crisps and strawberry and mint tea from Smokehouse Sandwich Co.

Although we knew a lot of our families prior to this day, I still had that nervous bubble inside my stomach as I anticipated the unfolding of events. Questions whirled through my mind like–Would the weather cooperate (yes, we are an outdoor school but let’s be honest and confess that drier weather is preferable for this type of family event)? Would our new students like the digging, the worms, the slugs, and the planting? Would they like us? Would they enjoy the treats? Would the actual planting go smoothly (well, as smoothly as can be expected with young children)? Would parents mingle and chat amongst themselves?

From the moment our time together began until the very last chip bag was consumed, we all had a wonderful time. Children DID love the activities, parents DID chat together and start to build their new community, the children DID like us and the planting went very very well.

Here are some snapshots of our day:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to all our families that made our planting day part of their long weekend! And, to the other families that could not make it out, we look forward to many more family days in the future! Also, a big thanks to Alex from Thompson Community Centre for helping with t & t (tent and treats)!

Emily