‘Djabindja’ (food place), is teeming with life!
Inspired by the Kids in Action theme of ‘We are Botanica: Plants for healthy bodies, minds, spirit and planet’ the Year 6 School Leaders led by Deputy Principal Rick Cass launched in to action developing our School Garden.
School leaders visited the Noosa Community Garden where the volunteers kindly showed the students around and shared their knowledge on everything from Spring planting, composting and worm gardens to garden design.
And what a design it is!
All classes have purchased their very own plot and have started gardening.
Turning an old, rarely used play space in to a thriving garden space has the whole school excited. Year 6 leaders are doing a wonderful job managing and maintaining the garden and the younger students are excited to see their plants growing already!
With a focus on edible produce, the school garden is a great way for students to engage with healthy food choices and an understanding of where their fruit and vegetables come from, as well as providing a wonderful, natural space for students, teachers and staff to come together outside the classroom.
On Tuesday 10th November 2020, in line with the school’s NAIDOC celebrations ‘Djabindja’ was officially opened. Special Guests, Gubbi Gubbi Elder Lyndon Davis and Torres Strait Island performers, Zom Zolbe Kolbe performed for the students. Kids In Action mentors Mandy Botterell and Sally Johnston were on hand at the opening ceremony, which featured a cameo of Dhakkan the Rainbow serpent.
Also present were members of Noosa Community Garden, Tewantin SS P and C and Principal, Rob Jennings, who assisted Deputy Principal, Mr Cass, in erecting the DJABINJA sign on their garden centrepiece, which was sponsored by Noosa Pots and Plants.
"NAIDOC is a highlight of our calendar and it was serendipitous that we were able to have Lyndon with us today to open our garden. Each class has their own 'plot' within the space, growing veggies chosen by the kids. Before this term, the garden didn't exist. Now it's an oasis."
The garden area also features a traditional 'island hut' (berig mud in the Meriam Mir language of the Torres Strait), as well as garden plots for the staff, which have been planted with taro, kumara, bananas, papaya, cassava and bush yams. A bush tucker section is awaiting planting.