Eumundi Voice - Issue 106, 14 November 2024

YOUTH

Jon Gemmell: Nurturing our future generations

The Enviro Program at Eumundi State School (ESS) is an extraordinary initiative that has been nurtured and led by Jon Gemmell for 29 years. Incorporating hands-on learning in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), the children at ESS look forward to their Enviro Days, multiple times a year.

The Enviro Program encourages students to be connected to nature, introduces them to the science and environmental features of working with nature, enhances students’ wellbeing and promotes healthy choices. It is truly an immersive practical learning experience.

The extensive gardens are filled with edible berries, fruits and vegetables, citrus, bananas, pecan nuts, mulberries and ice cream bean trees, which are given to Eumunchi Cafe (the school tuck shop), or eaten by the children. The chooks’ eggs are used in the Enviro kitchen, and the compostable waste from the markets is fed to the composting worms. The school also donates boxes of food grown in the Enviro Centre to families in need.

Mr Gemmell not only teaches children in this unique learning space, but also builds connections with teachers and community members as they collaborate on the learning with students. Miss Nat and Mr Ollie, along with Chappy Sam, work together to bring the Enviro experience to life for students, from yoga to gardening and science experiments.

Acting Principal Kelly Jeppesen said, “The Enviro program at Eumundi would not be what it is today without the vision, commitment and dedication of Mr Gemmell and the team who work with him to ensure every student has this very special learning experience.”

Mr Gemmell has recently accepted the Acting Deputy Principal role at Cunnamulla School in western Qld until the end of this year with his future yet to be decided. We wish him luck in his new endeavour.