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Sowing a passion for the garden

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The school has a strong focus on environmental sustainability, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

A Model of Sustainable Agriculture

Athol Road Primary School is a shining example of how education can be integrated with sustainable practices to create a more environmentally conscious community. The school’s approach to agriculture is not just about growing food, but about teaching students the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Advanced Gardening Techniques

The school’s gardening program is not just limited to basic gardening techniques. Students are taught advanced techniques such as grafting, pruning, and espalier. These techniques not only help to improve crop yields but also promote biodiversity and reduce waste. Grafting involves joining a piece of a stem from one plant to the root system of another plant.

He is also a member of the Victorian Schools Garden Program’s Student Council.

Hunter’s School Garden Experience

Hunter’s experience with the Victorian Schools Garden Program has been a transformative one. He has been actively involved in the program since he was in Year 3, and his dedication has earned him numerous accolades. One of his most notable achievements is winning the School Garden Champion trophy in the Victorian Schools Garden Program award.

Key Achievements

  • Won the School Garden Champion trophy in the Victorian Schools Garden Program award
  • Member of the Victorian Schools Garden Program’s Student Council
  • Active participant in the Victorian Schools Garden Program since Year 3

    • The Benefits of School Gardens

    School gardens have numerous benefits for students, teachers, and the community. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Improved nutrition: School gardens provide students with access to fresh, healthy produce, promoting healthy eating habits and reducing the risk of diet-related diseases. Environmental education: School gardens offer a unique opportunity for students to learn about environmental science, sustainability, and conservation. Social skills development: School gardens foster social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, among students. * Community engagement: School gardens can serve as a hub for community engagement, promoting social connections and a sense of belonging among students, teachers, and local residents.

    Bryan Hunter’s Innovative Initiatives

    Bryan Hunter, a dedicated and passionate individual, has made a significant impact on his school community through his innovative initiatives.

    The school garden was a huge success and became a model for other schools in the Hunter region.

    The Origins of Hunter’s Love for Gardening

    Hunter’s passion for gardening was sparked by his parents, who had a menagerie of animals on their property in Keysborough. The family’s garden was a haven for wildlife, with ducks, rabbits, chickens, and a vegetable patch. This exposure to nature and the joys of gardening at a young age laid the foundation for Hunter’s future endeavors.

    Early Influences and Mentorship

    The late Robert Wakelam from Gardeners Gate Nursery played a significant role in shaping Hunter’s gardening skills. In 2012, Wakelam helped build the school garden, which became a model for other schools in the Hunter region.

    Toombs had previously worked with the PE teacher on a project to develop a new curriculum for the school’s physical education program. The PE teacher was chosen for the position due to their experience in teaching environmental education and their ability to connect with students.

    The Selection Process

    The selection process for the environmental education program was thorough and involved several key stakeholders. The school administration, the PE teacher, and Toombs all played a role in the selection process.