We are grateful for the gardens and trees - both fruiting and native - that were planted by those before us and continue to care for and develop them to feed, inspire and educate our children. Organic kitchen waste from our lunch preparation goes straight into our worm farm or compost bin, supporting a cycle of reuse and growth. Our vegetable garden is thriving, with produce we enjoy as part of our lunch programme. We are expanding to create a butterfly garden and our dedicated dahlia garden honours the history of our community, inspired by a neighbour Mavis who was known for her beautiful dahlias.
In the classroom, we are starting to explore sustainable practices that can be easily adopted and maintained. These classroom initiatives help students consider their everyday impact and develop habits that contribute to a healthier environment. Through these efforts, students are engaging in real, hands-on learning about sustainability, kaitiakitanga guardianship, and the interconnectedness of our environment. Our gardens are a space for problem-solving and science exploration, connecting us with our surroundings and teaching us how our actions impact the natural world. As our journey unfolds, we look forward to deepening our connection with the community and building meaningful, sustainable practices that extend beyond our school grounds.