Spotlight64! | Nettlefest at Galiano Community School

Right before March Break, Galiano Community School held its annual Nettlefest—a magical, whole-school celebration that has been part of our school community for many years. 

This special event is made possible through the combined efforts of our Galiano Food Program, school garden coordinator, the Galiano Conservancy Association, parent volunteers, and community volunteers.

Leading up to the big day, each class spent time with the school garden coordinator. They pulled on gloves and carefully harvesting the nettles needed for the festival. On Nettlefest morning, students and volunteers gathered in the gym and split into multi-age groups led by volunteers, ready to learn, create, and explore together.

Groups rotated through a variety of hands-on activities: from nettle art and nettle science to nettle writing and nettle cooking (and much more). The morning wrapped with the whole school coming together to enjoy a delicious nettle feast that everyone helped prepare, served proudly by our older students. The menu offered nettle pizza, nettle pesto crostini, and nettle soup, with nettle cake for dessert.

Nettlefest is a cherished tradition that brings learning and community together, and it’s an event that everyone involved looks forward to each year.