Nundle Public School Kay Deaves

1. Nundle Public School Kay Deaves

2. Nundle why rush it?

3. Nundle Public School

4. Weekend Working Bees

5. Weekend Working Bees cont.the chicken coop

6. Weekend Working bees cont. mulching

7. Awards

8. Value Adding

9. Tree Plantingongoing river regeneration

10. Water Watch

11. Recycle Art Days

12. Art in the Garden

13. Our Garden

14. 2012 garden expo • Event Objectives • Demonstrate environmentally sustainable food producing practices. • Teach gardening and food preparation to children and demonstrate systems that can be adapted easily and effectively for school and home. • Foster the “reduce, reuse and recycle” values. • Encourage use of cooking and gardening as a teaching tool and promote enjoyment • Demonstrate links with the curriculum. • Share food prepared using our garden produce. Who • Workshops were suitable for students from grades 3 to 6 inc. • Catering for 18 to 25 students per session, plus 2 Adults. Tintinhull, Bendemeer, Wallabadah and Moonbi schools attended over the two days. • Nundle years 5 & 6 assisted at each of the 5 workstations/demonstrations. students also photographed and videoed the event as well as help with morning and afternoon teas. • Community volunteers helped with demonstrations at workstations. • Groups of 5 visiting students moved around the circuit of workshops. When • Held over two days in Autumn with 2 sessions on each day running from 10am-12 and 12-2pm.

15. Animals in the Garden This workshop demonstrated how animals and creatures of all shapes and sizes can be useful in the garden. In our garden we have chooks, guinea pigs, worms, fish and of course insects and birds.

16. Soil testing At this workstation students learned how to identify different soil types and to ph test to determine acidity or alkalinity levels.

17. Organic Pest Control Students identified useful wildlife found in the garden e.g. birds, lizards and insects. They worked together to make natural fertilizers and insecticides from such things as comfrey, nettles, manures and garlic. All components of brews were grown or found in the garden.

18. Seed Saving Students observed seeds and various natural dispersal methods. They were also shown how to save seeds for future use via the use of an origami packet which the students then made from recycled paper.

19. Kitchen A popular activity with the students was the making of Grissini Sticks which they tasted with dip made from garden produce.

20. Recycling At Nundle Public School we recycle food scraps and weeds by feeding to the chooks, guinea pigs and worms who in turn produce manures which are used to enrich the soil. We also have two composting systems (heap and tumble)

21. Aquaponics The school’s Aquaponics system uses fish to add nutrients to the water, which the plants, floating on rafts, feed upon. The water is oxygenated by a solar powered pump.

22. Gourmet Treats from the Garden And on the menu for our visitors’ enjoyment ... • Smoked Trout with Horseradish Cream on bread sticks • Spinach and Ricotta Puffs • Lamb Salad on Yucon Rounds • Vegetable Frittata • Frozen Berry Dessert • Choc Beetroot Cake • Berry Smoothie

23. Feedback On completion of the circuit the students showed their understanding of the ideas presented in the workshops by completing a quiz. Accompanying parents and teachers from visiting schools completed and evaluation sheet, with some of the comments received being: • “So many diverse activities. It needs more people to know what a wonderful job you’re doing” • “We would love to come back” • “Very inspiring and informative, congratulations and thank you for your hard work” • “Was all good but the food did come out on top” • “Well organised activities—great and engaging”

24. 2013 Enviro Camp @ Chaffey Dam • The event purpose was to • provide the opportunity for students, from small schools, to study natural eco-systems in a riparian environment. • discover ways of reducing waste to improve and preserve their natural environment. • enjoy social and creative activities. • provide the opportunity to discuss environmental issues and develop practical knowledge and skills. • gain an Aboriginal perspective and respect for the land through creative and practical demonstrations of Aboriginal culture. • value the natural environment. • work collaboratively. • Who and how many attended • Fifty seven Year 5/6 students from Woolomin, Nundle, Tintinhull, Moonbi and Attunga attended. Workshop leaders, parents and teachers totaled twenty adults.

25. Chaffey Dam – water storage for Tamworth • students learnt the history of the dam, its value to the community and future upgrade plans of the dam. • how water is captured, stored and used at Chaffey Dam.

26. Tree Planting • 120 native trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcover planted to improve soil stability. • demonstration of sustainable gardening practices and promotion of biodiversity. • trees planted will provide habitat for wildlife.

27. Fishing • enjoyment, appreciation and respect for the natural environment and fishing as a leisure pursuit. • safe and responsible recreational fishing was promoted • increased awareness of the need to provide a healthy riparian environment

28. Water Quality Testing • key water quality issues were realised and the interaction between what happens on nearby land and the health of waterway was clarified. • gained ability to conduct investigations and make judgments based on the results from observing, testing, collecting, recording and analyzing data.

29. Collage - using recycled materials • students worked with a range of recycled materials to assemble a collage to create an artwork based on the immediate environment. • students connected with those from other schools and worked collaboratively to make decisions.

30. Jewellery Making • students selected and used a range of recycled material to create wearable art • realised discarded materials have the potential to be reclaimed and resurrected as a usable/wearable object

31. Water Usage Students measured out volumes of water in litre jugs and matched them to daily activities, such as brushing teeth, washing hands and taking a shower.

32. Hip Hop & Poetry • convey an environmental message through voice and movement • play music and perform dances using a range of movement and expressive skills.

33. Native Animals • students learnt about the importance of habitat for native animals and adaptations of animals to their environment. • the value of animals to people • the destruction caused by introduced species

34. Aboriginal Culture • A local resident gave a talk on Aboriginal music and gave a demonstration of the didgeridoo. • Students joined in with clapping sticks and drums.

35. Meals Students met children from other schools, and learned independent living skills and working as team (meal serving)

36. Feedback • The camp was successful, receiving positive feedback and a general wish for the event to be held on a regular basis. We appreciated the support from SNL, the volunteers, donations from local community groups and individuals. • Thank you went to • Sustainable Namoi Living • Kerri-Anne Hubble, Woolomin School coorganiser • Nundle CWA • Nundle Old Church Boutique • Nundle Lions Club • Nundle P & C • Nundle Fishing Club • Upper Peel Landcare Group • Community volunteers

37. For Your Information • Recommended Books • Easy Organic Gardening & Moon Planting by Lyn Bagnall • Eat Your Garden, Organic Gardening for Home & Schools by Leonie Shanahan • Outdoor Classrooms by Carolyn Nuttall & Janet Millington • Grow It Cook It – Simple gardening projects & delicious recipes by Jill Bloomfield • Links • http://www.nundle-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ • http://upperpeellandcare.wordpress.com/ • http://www.teachkidstocook.com • Email Me • kayleen.deaves@det.nsw.edu.au