IT’S easy to understand why the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen and Garden Foundation asked to hold one of its professional development days at Osborne Primary School, Mt Martha.
The school has hosted the program for the past 10 years with coordinators Cate Hamill and Liz Hubbert putting in long hours to ensure the kitchen and garden program runs smoothly.
The activities provide children in grades 3 and 4 with the opportunity to delve into the wonders of the garden and collaboratively cook delicious meals in the kitchen once a fortnight.
“Children speak highly of the program and always spend kitchen garden days with a smile on their faces and a tummy full of delicious and nutritious food,” Ms Hamill said.
Educators from around Victoria and representatives from the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen and Garden Foundation enjoyed a professional development day at Osborne last month to learn more about the program and experience firsthand the benefits it offered to those involved.
“The menu for the day consisted of handmade pasta, colourful salads created with fresh produce from the garden and, most importantly, lots of fun and laughter,” Ms Hamill said.
“Those who participated left with new understandings of why the program is so successful in schools and the positive role it can play in children’s growth and development.”
Volunteers wanting to assist in one of the SAKG sessions at Osborne and who hold a valid Working with Children’s Check, should call the school office, 5975 1792, to arrange a date and time.
First published in the Mornington News – 5 June 2018
