Kids Shine

The decile 1 school is part of the Garden to Table programme that runs throughout the country. The programme teaches students how to grow, harvest, cook and share produce from their own garden with the help of peers, volunteers and teachers.

The organic garden started small and in the 10 years since the programme began at ETPS, has grown to fill 120 square metres, even converting the old swimming pool into garden space. With 14 varieties of fruit trees, they certainly need the space.

Years 5 and 6 classes spend four weeks in the garden and kitchen each term. The programme is run by two ladies who the kids refer to affectionately as the ‘Two Fionas’, Garden Specialist Fiona Wilkinson and Kitchen Specialist Fiona Munday. Wilkinson, who has been running the garden for seven years, says “The positivity keeps me coming back, and what everyone gets out of it.”

Students get their hands dirty as they become involved in all aspects of gardening, from composting and preparing soil, planting and weeding, to the harvesting of ripened produce. They learn all the skills involved in gardening and, in their spare time, have been overheard discussing the best way to manage fruit flies.

It doesn’t end in the garden. What is harvested is sent to the kitchen where students learn to prepare the produce and cook lunch for the class to share at the end of the lesson. Learning opportunities are endless in the kitchen as the staff incorporate technical knowledge of science and maths into the cooking process along with cultural information, which country the food originates from and the like.

There is no absenteeism during a class’s rotation through the program, and it is often mentioned as the highlight of the year on student’s reflection forms. “The kids really shine,” explains Munday, “students who may find learning challenging in the classroom really come into their own in the garden and kitchen. It’s hands-on and they really enjoy it.” Students behave themselves well and respect the tools and people involved.

Before eating at the table set with beautiful Pasifika tablecloths, the students give thanks in both English and Māori to the staff before singing a waiata and saying a prayer. Only then do they carefully pass the food to one another, making sure everyone gets a fair share. Learning to share and enjoy a meal together is an important part of the programme and quite special to watch.

Principal Sarah Mirams calls the programme a great success on many levels. She considers it lifelong learning for students and says, “Even if they are not taking the skills home yet, perhaps when they are in their thirties and forties with a home and family of their own, they will say to themselves ‘I do know how to cook, I do know how to garden’.”

The two Fionas are the only paid staff involved and they rely heavily on volunteers to keep the programme running. While the Garden to Table organisation assists in the set-up of the facilities and the implementation of the programme, from thereon the school is responsibile for funding and staffing. Parents are often working and unable to help, so volunteers are needed to keep the programme running. Jenny, a volunteer of six years running, admits that although people often commend her for ‘doing a good deed’, she says she gets more out of it than what she puts in.

How can you help:

While the students grow most of the ingredients, there are still costs involved in running the kitchen. Financial donations or donations of suitable equipment would be much appreciated.

Or, if you or someone you know would like to volunteer your time, the programme runs on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 9am-11am. You can choose to help on a regular basis or intermittently.

� Contact the school on (09) 274 9246 or email principal@easttamaki.school.nz