Sign up for our Slingshot Summer Studio Information Session: Thursday, April 25 from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Branksome Hall News
‘Grade 1 Recipe Book’ launches to supplement Toronto Zoo animals’ grocery bills
What do “Lia’s Green Pancakes” and tigers have in common? Well, thanks to the new Grade 1 Recipe Book, close to 5,000 animals at the Toronto Zoo will be well-fed—as will all members of the Branksome Hall community who choose to support the Zoo Food for Life campaign through the students’ cookbook’s proceeds, available now for $10.
“It all started when a Grade 1 student brought in the book, Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street: A Collection of Recipes to Share before March Break,” say teachers Jennifer Goba and Katie Walhout. It was so beautifully illustrated, they say, that students were inspired to create a cookbook of their own.
Students submitted recipes for breakfast, snacks, main courses and desserts, some with photos of the process and final product. It was initially a “procedure writing task” that turned into something bigger and more fun. Elpida submitted her Greek Salad, Ms. Walhout offered Walnut Tarts, Simone suggested Gigantic Puffy Slime, and it grew from there.
The next step was a cover-illustration competition judged by Junior School Head Amanda Kennedy along with Assistant Heads Andrea Mills and Erika Lo.
“They thought [students] had done such an incredible job; Ms. Mills said it would be a shame not to share it more widely,” says Goba. “Students were elated by the prospect of a broader audience and the opportunity to take action to help others during the pandemic.”
After student discussion about potential causes to support, it was taken to a vote. It was almost unanimous that students had a deep desire to support the Toronto Zoo.
Says Walhout: “We are proud of our students who are making a difference to the health and nutrition of many animals this year. This effort will make significant difference as the Zoo struggles to feed its many animals with few revenues.”
1
/
20
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.
Setting the new standard for girls' education everywhere takes collective action. From all of us.
