Work begins this month on The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School’s big native garden bush tucker trail project, in preparation for planting out native trees, plants and shrubs in early November.
The project is the culmination of a lot of volunteered effort along with financial support from the community and local businesses, including the Commonwealth Bank which donated one of its $10,000 Centenary Grants to the cause. The New England North West National Landcare grants program also contributed $8800.
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The school took the opportunity to thank bank staff for their efforts in securing the donation. Student Taneeka presented branch manager Debbie Minns with a thank you painting created by Sam Wortlehock who has recently being back at TSHPMPS creating more artful corridors and walkways.
The vision of the Native Garden Gateway project is to provide a living, breathing and growing classroom for students. The space will offer an oasis for kids, helping to enrich their lives and to prepare them for a complex and dynamic world.
Eventually the site will include five ‘yarning’ circles, while introducing the children to sensory and edible planting and creating a space where new stories, paintings and friendships take root. It will also act as an outdoor classroom where students can not only learn about their ancestors and the rich heritage of the Jukembal people, but also encourage natural play and build essential life skills.
There will be no straight lines or hard edges. The garden will mimic nature's own curves and flows.
