Unfortunately, due to COVID -19 the Kitchen Garden Program ran a little differently this term with classes unable to participate in the cooking component of the program. Instead classes focused on preparing our winter vegetable garden and beautifying some of the green spaces around the school. The recent cold, wet and wintry weather conditions did not dampen the enthusiasm of the students with the winter vegetable garden having a complete makeover; needless to say it is looking fantastic!

Students worked tirelessly mulching the garden paths, constructing new garden beds, planting new citrus trees, sowing seeds, planting out seedlings, netting garden beds, making cabbage moth decoys, planting new native edibles in the Bush Tucker garden, composting, weeding, weeding and more weeding.

Earlier in the term we had a few special visitors in the garden; a koala and a possum. The koala was obviously very happy within the garden compound as his visit lasted for over a week. Students enjoyed observing him while they worked away in the garden.

Term 3 will see Miss Currer, Mr Branson and Ms MacLean’s classes participate in the kitchen garden program during weeks 3-7 and the Year 1/2 classes participating in weeks 8-10 (COVID-19 restrictions permitting). We will be requiring lots of helpers for our kitchen and garden classes!! If you would like to volunteer and have completed the RAN-EC Training for volunteers and have a current DHS clearance to work with children, we would love your help! Please message me of your availability.

If you would like to obtain a DHS working with children clearance please see the Administration Office staff. The Department for Education is offers online RAN-EC training for volunteers, please see the Department for Education website for the link or speak to the Administration Office staff for more information.

Michele Smith

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program Coordinator

Volunteer Mobile 0408 637 850