The specialist school community garden is a much-loved facility of the school responsible for hands on learning of concepts such as; sustainability, food growth and environmental awareness. There is a plot of land for each class and a kitchen for the preparation of food grown in the garden. Senior students also complete Horticulture classes within the facility and some classes also make use of the wonderful outdoor kitchen!
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
We are excited to announce that as of December 2020 we are registered as a Kitchen Garden Program Member of The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.
The purpose of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is to assist children in developing positive food habits for life through effective food education. This includes learning where their food comes from, learning to grow and learning to cook fresh in season produce.
We are fortunate enough to have a commercial kitchen area where we can prepare produce to eat when time permits in the garden.
The purpose of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is to assist children in developing positive food habits for life through effective food education. This includes learning where their food comes from, learning to grow and learning to cook fresh in season produce.
We are fortunate enough to have a commercial kitchen area where we can prepare produce to eat when time permits in the garden.
Horticulture
Swan Hill Specialist School is very lucky to have a beautiful Community Garden at the back of our school. Our Senior Students participate in Horticulture lessons during one 45-minute session per week in this area. Horticulture is a hands-on subject where students learn to plant, grow and maintain fruit, vegetables and flowers. Our garden area is broken up into sections which include the sensory Mandella Garden, the flowering Pollination Garden Beds and the vegetable garden beds.
Each year we have opportunities to participate in horticulture activities from outside agencies and organisations. These include assisting with gardening and horticultural activities at cemeteries, the Mallee Seedbank, Landcare Organisations, Community Gardens, other educational facilities and farms.
Each year we have opportunities to participate in horticulture activities from outside agencies and organisations. These include assisting with gardening and horticultural activities at cemeteries, the Mallee Seedbank, Landcare Organisations, Community Gardens, other educational facilities and farms.
Growing Incredible Food Together (G.I.F.T)
Outside of school hours our Community Garden is utilised by a permaculture organic gardening organisation called G.I.F.T (Growing Incredible Food Together). G.I.F.T meet twice per week to plant, grown and maintain their garden beds. They run various educational workshops throughout the years from the school’s garden. G.I.F.T enjoy sharing the delicious fresh produce they have grown and always welcome new members.
