Primary School Kitchen Garden News

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Kitchen-Garden News - 16th December, 2022

Wominjeka students and families,

In the Wurundjeri traditional seasonal calendar October 26th > December 21st marks the season of Myrnong Kulin-Jumbunna- Yam Daisy Harvest and Men’s Business Season.

In this last week of the 2022 school year, it is pertinent to acknowledge the observable weather patterns we have been experiencing in Melbourne, and the disastrous effects of this unrelenting rainfall, high and destructive winds have on our Kitchen garden. The seed and seedling planting schedules are behind, as the soil has not been warm enough for enough days to give them the optimum conditions needed for healthy germination and growth. Seedlings that have been planted have been struggling against the low temperatures, unripe fruit has dropped due to high winds and the ground is waterlogged. Combined with plague proportions of snails taking more than their fair share of juicy, young greenery (Basil…where did you go) and the kitchen garden is not where is should be at this time of the year! 

Students have enjoyed learning many interesting facts about these “destructive” snails and observing them in the garden. It is a moral dilemma we have to navigate as gardeners growing food, as the wet conditions have been a boon for snail reproduction, but a disaster for the plants. Our method of control is 2 pronged; the most effective is collection of snails into buckets for transferring them to “another country…. not Collingwood College”! This “country” is across the road on the verge! Method 2 is making organic snails traps with yeast/sugar and water and yes, the snails that are trapped do drown.

Our students have shared their opinions on the “why’s” this weather is occurring, engaging in robust discussions of their understanding of what climate change means to them. We discuss the uniqueness of our school garden and how as students they can engage in sustainable and positive ecological actions by caring for this garden. We practice each lesson the most important garden task of building upon the health of the soil, by composting, to ensure a healthy and diverse collection of edible/ ornamental plants can be grown, attracting a flourishing pollinating insect population.

Students have also had the opportunity to learn the steps to complete a garden focused Design process activity this Term, either individually or in a small group. The students have produced many creative, engaging and excellent design outcomes. Well done to all.

These included:

• Making a Flower/Herb Press over a Semester- understand the why /collecting/pressing/drying/making/documenting/mounting/decorating

• Collaboratively making a Scarecrow- understand the why /designing/collecting resources/allocating tasks/making/refining 

• Plant Identification sign- understand the why /plant observation/research/botanical documentation/brainstorm lettering styles/painting

• Collaboratively making an Insect Hotel-understand the why/brainstorm/design/decision making/collecting resources/make/decorate/refine an Insect Hotel were all completed this Term.

I want to wish all graduating Grade 6 students and their families all the best, as students complete their Primary years. Enjoy the excitement and challenges ahead in your High School journey. I hope students continue to seasonally cook, garden and share food and build upon their Kitchen garden skills and knowledge.

Importantly, I also want to acknowledge the Kitchen Garden Volunteer Team! I am, always so thankful for the continued commitment of my K.G Volunteer team and in awe of their generosity of their valuable time to our school, for the benefit of ALL our grade 3> 6 students. 

It is with much appreciation; I want to thank this wonderful team of people!

• Susan Williams- volunteer of 21 years
• Merran Fergusson-volunteer of 21 years
• Susie Morris-volunteer of 4+ years
• Julie Fergusson-volunteer of 8 years
• Zak Hayn-volunteer of 3+ years
• Anna Ephraim- volunteer of 1+ year
• Allan Walker- volunteer of 1+ year
• Bobbie Bamford- volunteer of 1+ year
• Phuong Huang Nam-student teacher volunteer

I am seeking more volunteers for 2023-Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday lessons-please contact me if you are interested via

desley.insall@education.vic.gov.au

As always….. when you can “garden, cook and share with those you love”

Desley Insall

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 occur 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 student’s 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, E/news, 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

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

For those who may want to support our students and teachers in another way-we are always thank-full 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