Growing for life

By Lia Bichel
FUTURE Jamie Olivers and Don Burkes are roaming the halls at Hallam Primary School and Eumemmerring College, Hallam Campus.
The budding students will be able to grow their knowledge and talents now the two schools have received funding to support a kitchen garden program in the curriculum.
The schools entered a joint submission to participate in the 2009 Go For Your Life Kitchen Garden Program with Stephanie Alexander and were one of 22 schools to receive funding.
Year 3 and 4 students from Hallam Primary School will work with Eumemmerring College senior VCAL and VET to create a kitchen garden, comprising vegetable and garden beds, a mini orchard, hothouse, watering system, climbing frames for vines, outdoor seating areas and student art work.
“It is important to teach about the source of good quality food and eating well. That’s the purpose of the program,” said MP Luke Donnellan.
Primary Wellbeing Year 3-6 Manager Shirley Fletcher said the project would address teachers’ concerns about childhood obesity, eating disorders and other serious health issues, and would educationally and socially benefit the students.
“The students have a lot of responsibility with this project. The younger students helped design the garden and will be able to grow and cook the food. It will help them excel in the area of numeracy, literacy, and personal development.”
The project would also benefit the VCAL and VET students.
“Our students will get to mentor younger students from the primary school and expand on their leadership skills,” Curriculum Projects Coordinator at Eumemmerring College David Caughey said.
“They will also learn the same things as the primary students about healthy eating habits and cooking skills. You’re never too old to learn.”
The garden was expected to be in operation within a year, but Mr Caughey said volunteers were crucial for the project to succeed. Anyone interested in lending a helping hand in the kitchen or with the garden is asked to contact Mr Caughey at Eumemmerring College.