Photos / Article From Trillium Lakelands District School Board
On March 22, V.K. Greer Memorial Public School (VKGM) celebrated the maple syrup time of year with many cultural experiences for all students. Each winter students take the learning outside, walking trails, immersing in nature, and tapping maple trees to learn the art of making maple syrup.
Continuing a long standing tradition at VKGM, community volunteers, Jesse and Jo Walton, worked at the school’s maple syrup shack where students experienced the reduction of sap from the trees on the school’s property.
VKGM core French teachers, Jeff Barrett and Samantha Andrews, brought the experience of La Tire, an old-fashioned treat in Québec, also known as tire d’érable. It happens in the late winter and early spring as the maple syrup harvest begins and snow is still on the ground. Bins were filled with fresh, clean snow. Then, boiled and reduced maple syrup was poured in strips over the snow, chilling it to a taffy-like consistency. As the Québecois say, “Attention aux dents!” Students also enjoyed crepes and French music throughout the day.
Finally, Elder Christopher Stock brought the traditional Indigenous way of making maple syrup to our students. Elder Stock is working with students and staff throughout the school year to present an interactive Indigenous cultural experience and provide a greater awareness and understanding of Haudenosaunee culture, knowledge, history, and worldview. Through story and demonstration, students watched as fire heated rocks and were placed in sap, creating syrup for all to enjoy.
“VKGM was honoured to host a beautiful first day of spring outdoors learning through tradition and culture,” said VKGM principal, Kelli Gates. “This was made possible by staff, their families, volunteers, and businesses, ensuring the experience of maple syrup continues for future VK Vipers.”
