Salt and Pepper - Oranges and Lemons!

Nature at its best when the St Michael's students were introduced by the Agricultural students, to Salt & Pepper, the new rabbits, at Nagle College Farm! Also, the oranges and lemons are showing they are a cold climate fruit by putting on a display, one which doesn't long, as students haggle to take home the fresh produce!



The 4 R's!

The 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, slogan took on another 'R' when students at St Michael's Primary Blacktown South, had to 'Rethink' in order to sort their waste during the two day rubbish audit, held recently! Labelled bins were placed on Infants and Primary playgrounds whereYear 6 students and teachers were on hand to advise and encourage students to throw items into the correct bins! Students became more aware of the triangle symbol which indicates recycling, the need to squash tetra packs to reduce space and it is easier to bring fruit pieces in  containers, rather than whole pieces of fruit! The rubbish audit was followed up with a 'Waste Free Wednesday', which means students are encouraged to 'Rethink' how much packaging they use for snacks and lunches and all rubbish, except fruit scraps (which are composted) is taken home ... WFW will be held at least once a term!

Up the Garden Path!

Students are learning from experience the value of garden paths ... they can be disconnected stepping stones, patterns made from pavers, wind their way around garden beds or sometimes it is necessary to make your own path!

 

Garden Discoveries!

An exciting discovery in amongst the weeds and marigolds ... olives ... on one of the two olive trees! It is necessary to have at least two trees before fruiting occurs ... now the students are busy researching the necessary steps involved, in preparing the olives for eating! An even more exciting find for the students, was the discovery of a very placid grasshopper, happy to pose for a photo!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

In 1699 a Sicilian monk called Franciscus Cupani sent seeds of the local wild sweet pea to his friend, English schoolmaster Dr Robert Uvedale. This was the beginning of a love affair between gardeners and sweet peas that continues to this day.

St Patrick’s Day, March 17, is the traditional date for sowing sweet peas in many parts of Australia, but this date should be regarded as a guide, not a law.

Hence students at two Parramatta schools, planted their sweet peas one day early, just in time for the rain!

         

Meanwhile, en route to Nano Cottage Kitchen Garden, the students noticed the new garden nearing completion at Nagle College farm ... the word is roses and olive trees are soon to be planted by the Nagle College agricultural students!

Secret Gardens!

Post holiday gardens are like secret gardens, so many discoveries to make from cherry tomatoes, overgrown nasturtiums and out of control marigolds, to measuring 'near full' rain gauges and of course the inevitable weeds ... but in language terms, great conversation and problem solving opportunities and in practical terms, great seed saving opportunities!

 

Heaven and Nature Sing!

Time to close the gate on another productive year ... 2011! With grateful thanks to all who helped to make the 'Kitchen Garden' programs flourish, in many schools in the Parramatta Diocese!

 

 

The Language of the Season!

It is important to include students in the preparation for Christmas by encouraging them to make their own decorations and to talk about what they are doing. Nano Cottage became a hive of activity as a Nativity Scene was constructed using a cardboard box lid and finger puppets with gold crowns, became the three kings!A yellow 3D star was made using a plastic cup with a cut out star-shape attached and carefully placed on the top of the tree!

Lots of good "At home this is what we do ...." stories, were generated and correct seasonal terminology used! A Christmas wreath was made using a scarf and strawberry candles, with sprigs of lavender placed in the centre!