A lesson in the food to table movement is being hatched at Normandeau School.
Staff and students are building a mini-farm with chickens and bees at its north-end school.
The new venture will be an extension of its garden plot where students enjoy the bounty of the harvest at a school-wide soup day held in October.
Students will help build the coop at an alcove on the school’s site.
“We’re trying to create a space that kids do not have at home,” said principal Hans Huizing. “Many of our kids do not have any type of greenspace at their house. We’re trying to make the whole idea of a garden and a front yard.”
The eggs from the hens will be used in the school’s breakfast program.
The idea came from Grade 4 teacher Nicole Parker.
During the summer months and when it’s too cold outside the chickens will move to Parker’s mother’s house.
Four chickens will call the schoolyard coop home.
The school hopes to raise $4,000 to build the chicken coop.
A local carpenter will come into the school on Fridays to lead the students in the construction project.
The entire project with chickens on site is expected to be up and running by Oct. 17.
The pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 school is also considering setting up a small apiary for bees.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com