From creating compost to planting seeds, harvesting produce and cooking meals, Barwon Heads Primary School students are learning to love gardening.
Developed over eight years and run by program leaders Margaret Griffith and Deidre Reynolds, the Permaculture in Primary School (PIPS) program sees 70 students learn about and put into practice the ethics and principles of permaculture.
Students learn about the cycle of produce, working in the school’s chicken coop, orchard and vegetable and herb gardens to produce eggs, vegetables and fruits.
“It’s been going for eight years, however it didn’t start as what we think is the pretty sophisticated and unique program we have now,” Ms Griffith said.
“But we have steadily evolved it over the years, incorporating the curriculum and all sorts of other subjects in what we do.
“(The students) just love it, and a lot of them say after that they see themselves now as a gardener and intend to produce their own food forever.”
Students rotate through three different groups – the recyclers, the green thumbs and the foodies – learning all aspects of the process from seed to plate.
This year the PIPS program received a $2500 grant from Barwon Water to support its sustainable water management aspects.
“The grant has allowed us to create a flourishing, efficiently watered orchard of seven healthy fruit trees, cohabiting with our chickens,” Ms Griffith said.
“The effectively irrigated greenhouse is enabling an ongoing supply of seedlings for the garden and for community fundraising.
Applications for the next round of Barwon Water grants will open in February 2025. Visit yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/barwon-water-grants to find out more.
