In 2015, Moorabbin Primary School principal Noxia Angelides decided it was time to tackle a growing problem with student culture.
“We had disengaged students who weren’t communicating with the school, teachers or their peers,” Ms Angelides recalled.
She looked around the grounds and saw a dustbowl. That, she believed, was the means for change — in the school and in her students.
From dustbowl to oasis
Aftelatir consulting on design, including with the students, the school set about transforming the barren land into an indigenous habitat, with frog-friendly gardens and fruit orchards.
Ms Angelides said every child, from preps to grade six, was part of a roster to plant natives — 600 plants and counting — propagate seeds and cook and sell food, including eggs from the chicken coop, herbs, carrots and beans.
“The little ones are building insect hubs to grow plants to encourage bees,” Ms Angelides said.
Sustainability of the garden and the associated ecology became part of the school’s curriculum. This pro-active approach to learning included the children auditing rubbish.
“We are a nude food school,“ Ms Angelides explained. “No rubbish, no wrappers.”
In 2015, the school had 10 rubbish bins. It now has three.
Shooting to the top
At last year’s Victorian Schools Garden Awards, Moorabbin Primary School won top prize. The teachers and students were recognised for their hard work that not only improved the school but also transformed student engagement.
The annual Victorian Schools Garden Awards, now in their 40th year, celebrates school gardens while teaching students about gardening, ecology and the environment.
Ms Angelides said the school holds regular meetings with other schools in the area inspired to build their own version of the Moorabbin Primary School garden.
As featured in Leader Newspapers on 8 May, 2017.