By Lia Bichel
STUDENTS at Chalcot Lodge Primary School are creating some healthy snacks in the school’s outdoor environmental classroom.
As part of Farmer Fun Day, students dressed up in country threads and planted seeds in the fruit and vegetable garden.
The students attended a 30 minute session with horticulturalist Tina Thanof and Dandenong’s Bunnings representative, Ann De Luca, and other Bunnings staff.
“The kids brought their own garden tools and participated. Each class from Prep to Grade 6 has their own garden bed,” Chalcot Lodge staff member Narelle Coyne said.
The fruit and vegetable garden was launched last year by Grade 5 and 6 teacher and leader of the environmental sustainability committee, Dean Napier.
Ms Coyne said the garden has produced a variety of tasty treats and she was surprised by the variety of food growing in each class’s garden bed.
“There have been a lot of tomatoes growing, but there are also pumpkins and cantaloupes,” she said. “It’s quite amazing.”
Ms Coyne said staff, parents, and students have enjoyed working in the garden and they have all reaped the benefits.
“Parents have been very supportive. A lot of families were even able to take home some tomatoes,” she said.
“And the kids love the garden. This season we hope the students learn to cook the vegetables.”
