Kitchen Garden News

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation Newsletter

Click HERE to read the October edition of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation newsletter.

Paul Bangay Open Garden

Click HERE to find out more information and to book tickets for Paul Bangay's Open Garden at 'Stonefields' on Saturday and Sunday, 17 and 18 November, from 10 am–4 pm.

Stonefields, in Central Victoria, is rarely open to the public and this event offers garden lovers and food enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of Australia’s most celebrated gardens.

To view a Q & A with Paul Bangay click HERE.

We have an incredible day planned for you:

• Fine food and wine stalls.
• Handmade and seasonal keepsakes made by local school students.
• Community market.
• Rare and unusual plants for sale.
• Garden tours with Paul Bangay. ***Limited tickets so book early***
• Paul and Stephanie will be signing copies of their books, which will be available to buy.

This event supports the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Scheme.

This Fortnight's Recipes

Sushi Rice Balls

Naval Oranges and Orange & Lime Caramel Syrup

Pumpkin, Chard, Sweet Potato & Purple Congo Thai Red Curry

Home-made Potato Gnocchi, Garden Herbs, Lemon Zest

Napoli Sauce

Citrus Salad

Class 5 Students with Citrus & Watermelon Salad

Happy Class 5 Students Ready to Eat

Chefs of the Day

Yarra Mayor - Daniel Nguyen visited our 3 & 4 Class on Tuesday in KG Kitchen

Garden News

Botanical Drawings

Spring Harvest

Golden Oregano

Lettuce seedlings - grown by seed by every KG student- "Harding up” before planting

About the Kitchen Garden Program

Collingwood College students participate in our Kitchen Garden Program as part of their school curriculum in Grades 3-6. Garden classroom occurs outside in all weather conditions, with students learning, exploring and practising the skills and knowledge to grow a diverse range of vegetables, fruit and herbs using organic growing methods. Students then harvest our seasonal produce for cooking a range of (95% vegetarian) delicious dishes in their kitchen classroom. The students learn and practise kitchen skills, techniques and terminology and also importantly, their communication skills, creativity and teamwork while dishes are being prepared.

Students, staff and volunteers sit at beautifully set tables sharing the dishes created, voicing opinions respectfully, as all students can benefit from sharing their individual learning efforts. Knowledge is documented in Kitchen garden books and shared to our school community via email, newsletter, display boards and importantly by our students.

For our students, an integral part of the enjoyment and richness of the classroom experience is the depth and loyalty of volunteering we have for our school program. These exceptional people of all ages, interests, backgrounds and skills ensure our curriculum goals are supported for our students.  Potential volunteers do not need garden or cooking experience! Attributes we seek are a personal interest to support our K.G program philosophy, assisting students in their learning around food diversity, seasonality, sustainability, garden and cooking skills. The K.G learning importantly supports and explores student’s emotional connection and enjoyment in regards to growing and cooking seasonal food. Good humour and the excitement of learning new skills and knowledge in a shared environment, the ability to commit to a day/time are also attributes we seek in our volunteers.

We welcome applications from persons in our school community, or friends/family who wish to apply to be a Kitchen garden volunteer. Please send an email to me at

Insall.desley.d@edumail.vic.gov.au

(see forms below)

Please look at our school website (K.G page), if you are new to our school community for more information. Classes run in the kitchen Monday-Wednesday and garden Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

For those who may want to support our students and teachers in another way-we are always thankful for people to garden outside class times or on other days. Please feel free to email me with any questions. Tours for potential volunteers will usually occur after school hours with arrangement.

With thanks,

Desley Insall

Kitchen Garden Specialist Teacher & Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Information Kit

Permission Forms, Media & Allergy for Volunteers