Who knew trash could be so interesting? The first and second grade classes took a trip to Park Ariel Sharon/Hiria, an active museum all about trash and recycling. The park, built on top of the old main garbage dump, teaches the children how garbage is separated, about the importance of recycling, and about the trash they generate every time they open a box or throw out a plastic bag. Despite the educational aspects of the outing, as well as the smell in some parts of the visit, the kids had a lot of fun.
The school takes lessons in democracy seriously. November is student council elections time, and the children learn about the principles of democratic government and what makes for good leadership. The candidates for the student council and heads of the student council, from the fifth and sixth grades, must prepare platforms, run campaigns, and present their ideas to the entire student body. Then, it’s one student, one vote. Every year, one Arab and one Jew from the sixth-grade class step up to lead the student council.
Last year, the student council planned active break activities and sponsored a day of road safety. The school body eagerly awaits decisions of the new group.
International Walking Day fell between the Jewish holidays this year. But that was no reason to miss the exercise and fun of going out of the classroom and walking with one’s classmates. The primary school held its own walking day in November. This is, of course, a way to remind the kids that walking is one of the healthiest forms of exercise. But it was also a chance to talk and laugh, to enjoy the green surroundings of the November forest, and to bond over a special activity.
