by Vicki McCarthy—Business Manager
During 2023 a group of students from the Year 5/6 classes and I have been working together on Wednesday afternoons to improve and beautify the Memorial Garden as part of the electives programs.
Thanks to a large number of generous donations from our school community, lots of extra plants and succulents have been planted to green the area.
In Term 2 the students wrote to the Activity Organiser at Bunnings Noarlunga inviting them to come and see the improvements and provide a list of items Bunnings were able to donate to assist in the makeover. In Term 3 Milena from Bunnings visited and provided paint, plants and suggestions to improve the area.
At the end of Term 2 the group learned why the Memorial Garden was established and I shared with them photos from the working bee that helped to create the garden in memory of a staff member and student back in 2002.
Students have planted everything themselves, watered and weeded the area regularly along with moving and spreading tonnes of mulch provided for free by Sturt Stumps.
Last week the group sanded the benches ready for painting.
I wish to thank our Groundsman Julian Smith for all of his valuable contributions especially guiding the students through the safe use of tools and equipment and for stepping in when I have been absent. Julian has ensured that the new plantings have all been protected with tree guards and he has also trimmed and tidied the larger trees and plants.
On Wednesday November 15th the students were able to Meet Charmaine Ellames who is the mother of Stefan who has a memorial plaque in the garden. Charmaine thanked the students for their efforts and is returning next week with a gift for the garden to present to the students.
Seth, Josh G, Miller, Reece, Mikah, Lachlan R, Beau, Noah, Riley, Elsie and Nate are to be commended on their hard work and dedication to improving the area. I am especially proud of them all and delighted that they felt that this was an area worthy of their efforts and energy.
