What started as garden packages to help Townsville schoolchildren learn about their environment has grown into six thriving school-based gardens as part of Council’s Seeds to Success program.
The program is in its first year and includes students from Willows State Primary School, Townsville Grammar School, Bohlevale State School, Ryan Catholic College, Oonoonba State School and Townsville South State School. Each class received either a kitchen garden package or a native ecology garden package to plant and care for as a group while learning about food chains and caring for the environment.
Nearly six months on, students are reaping the rewards of their patience, with their plots filled with healthy plants.
Townsville Grammar School received a native ecology garden package, which teacher Leonie De Lai said was the pride and joy of the year four students.
“The students have put a great deal of work into creating our new native plant outdoor classroom garden. They have been involved in every stage of the project, from planning the garden’s layout to moving more than four cubic metres of soil to prepare the area for planting,” Ms De Lai said.
“Our students have developed a solid understanding of the important role bees play in our environment and the need to protect them by creating safe, bee-friendly habitats. They have enjoyed seeing bees visit their garden and are excited to continue encouraging them.
“The project has provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities and is helping students develop a strong sense of responsibility and pride in caring for our environment.”
Mayor Nick Dametto said it was great to see the positive impact the Seeds to Success program was having on local kids.
“How good is it to see students rolling up their sleeves, getting their hands dirty and learning how to plant, grow and care for something themselves,” Cr Dametto said.
“Programs like this teach young people where their food comes from, the importance of looking after our environment, and the rewards that come from patience, teamwork and hard work.
“Congratulations to all the students and teachers who have embraced the program and kept these gardens thriving. The success of this pilot shows the value of hands-on learning, and we’d love to see more opportunities like this for local students in the future.”
