As the school was gripped in winters icy clutch, Highfields Garden Club (GC) was in full festive swing, keeping students safe and engaged while their parents were still hard at work. Promising warmth and a touch of sweetness, GC treats approximately 40 students each week to hot chocolate and cookies every Thursday, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
In the months of October, November, and December, GC engaged in various seasonal activities, including crafting Rudolf hot chocolate cones and learning about food allergies, contributing to the Christmas food appeal, and creating and selling Christmas-themed sweetie bags. The students embraced entrepreneurship by managing sweet cone and cupcake sales, with profits funding winter activities and enhancing their business skills.
One of the standout activities that has captured the imagination of the students was the creation of enchanting fairy doors. Using a combination of digital design programs and traditional pen and paper, the students crafted basic wooden shapes by gluing lolly sticks together. The workshop then came alive as the 3D laser cutter/printer brought their designs to life, showcasing incredible teamwork and creativity. The resulting fairy doors, adorned with festive decorations, became cherished gifts as students share them with family and friends.
Adding a touch of magic to the school, GC hid these fairy doors throughout the campus, complete with a message on the back containing the student's name and a call to return the door to its origin. This whimsical scavenger hunt culminated in prizes for those who successfully locate the hidden doors, creating an atmosphere of delight and surprise.
As the calendar turns to January and February, Highfields Gardening Club has exciting plans in store. Activities on the horizon include crafting wind chimes, setting up bug hotels around the school grounds, creating brackets for hanging baskets, and building more vegetable beds using waste wood. The club also looks forward to designing a vibrant garden for the summer, with a focus on growing vegetables and flowers.
Starting in Spring, Highfields Garden Club will meet every Tuesday, and continue to be a hub of creativity, learning, and community spirit, fostering valuable skills and leaving a lasting impact on both the school and its students.
