SAKG NEWS

Welcome back! We are hoping that everybody had a lovely Easter break and are excited about what term 2 has to offer.  Firstly, I would like to welcome our new SAKG team: Kate Tanaka, who is a familiar face of the school and SAKG program and she will be in the kitchen for the next 12 months. Jodie Goldring is new to the school and comes with extensive horticulture experience and familiarity with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program. Please make both staff members very welcome.

To start the term off and to tie in with ANZAC day (last Tuesday) students have been whipping up ANZAC biscuits in the kitchen, alongside chutney and soup.  Given the limited sun and warmth as we approach the end of Autumn, tomatoes in the garden won’t ripen much more so these are being harvested and turned into Spicy Green Tomato Chutney. We want to make students aware that there is always a use for all things we grow, no matter how perfect they may look.  Students have also been put to the test to create a communal soup using what produce they can find in the garden. Please look out for our ANZAC biscuit recipe at the end of this report as we know that it is a favourite and something students may wish to make at home.

In the garden there has been a lot of activity. Classes are being broken up into 4 different groups and rotating through set activities. Whilst in the ‘Animal’ group students are cleaning the chicken nesting boxes, replacing straw in the coop, collecting the eggs and clearing the paths, giving the hen house a makeover.  The ‘Grow’ group are weeding and mulching garden beds, planting broccoli, lettuce, snow peas and sweet peas. The ‘Harvest’ group are harvesting rosemary and vegetables for the soup and ANZAC biscuits being prepared by the kitchen classes. And lastly the ‘Observe and Create’ group are organising gloves and stationery for upcoming projects which will be science and art based.  And the garden continues to be a popular place to visit during lunchtimes.

To assist with the smooth running of SAKG program, particularly given we have two new team members, we do require the support of volunteers, and at this stage, more so in the garden. We welcome everyone, whether it be new parents/families or ones who have been at the school for several years. Kitchen and garden classes are a great opportunity to come and work alongside your children and see them shine in a different learning setting.  To be able to volunteer you will need to have a current Working with Children Check (Volunteer Card – free) which is available online and to complete an induction (information) session which we run here at school.  If you are interested in volunteering in the program please contact Mrs O’Brien, Kate, Jodie or see the ladies in the front office.

One of the highlights on our school calendar is ‘Grandparents' Day’ which is taking place next Friday, 12th May 9:00-10:30am.  On this day the SAKG team will be making available a range of plants, flowers, seedlings and seed packs for our grandparents in return of a small donation (gold coin).  These gifts have all been prepared by our students and garden volunteers and are guaranteed to provide much joy.  The stall will be set up on the deck between the reset room and 1C/D classrooms.  We would love to see you all there.

And lastly we would like to say a big thank you to the DASH team and Mickey & Rob (Charlotte Shankar’s grandparents) for caring for the animals and garden over the school holidays. We know the animals greatly appreciate your efforts.

 Mrs O’Brien, Kate & Jodie