Sustainability

Kitchen Garden - Year One

Our strawberry cup cake session today was met with eager approval - the students enjoyed chopping the berries, mixing the flour and sugar, whisking the yoghurt, eggs and butter then finally scooping into patty pans for baking. Whilst we were waiting for them to be ready, we investigated the seeds on strawberries, using toothpicks to lift the seeds from the outside of the berries. It was tricky but gee they were quiet for a whole 5 mins!! The looks on their faces filled with concentration and determination finally gave way to frustration - but it was fun and we retrieved quite a few seeds. With about 10 mins left until the cakes were ready we visited the vege garden, identifying the rocket, coriander, kale, and mint using our senses of smell and touch. The last task was to plant a strawberry plant in the garden bed just outside 1L. Another fun day in the outdoor classroom.

Holiday chicken care

Once again we are asking for any families who would be available and interested in helping to care for our chickens during the holidays. It only takes up to half and hour (or longer if you wish) to check their water, food, eggs and give them some time out of their coop to forage. Parents often comment on how fun and cheap this activity is - it really isn't difficult - the chickens are very easy to look after. If you would like to help and haven't helped out before and would like to know more about it please get in touch with me. If you are available, please let me know your available dates. We very much appreciate the help and the students love telling me about how they come up during the holidays to care for the chooks. 

adeegan@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au

National Biodiversity Month

September 1 marks the beginning of National Biodiversity Month - where we understand the importance of balance and harmony for a healthy planet. Please view the following resources to understand more about biodiversity.

What is biodiversity? | David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet  (1:37)

The following resources may be helpful in having discussions about the importance of biodiversity in the environment. 

Juniors: What If There Were No Bees? Read Aloud (7:40)

Middles: Don't Let Them Disappear | Read Aloud (14:14)

Seniors: Why biodiversity is important for children | UNICEF

What on Earth is Biodiversity?