Students at Dee Why Public School will soon be turning their lunch box scraps into valuable plant tucker, thanks to an inspiring, new initiative.
The local school is one of the successful recipients of Northern Beaches Council’s Eco School Grants. The $2000 grant will fund their Closed Loop Orchard Project to get the school’s compost system back up and running.
The compost system was set up before COVID-19 however, continual school closures meant it couldn’t be maintained.
Students have recently rolled up their sleeves to create a no-dig garden bed made from recycled materials to plant strawberries. It’s the first part of their mini-orchard, which will be fed by the compost system.
Dee Why Public School Principal Mark Chaffer said the funding was a win for the school’s Gardening Club.
“Our successful grant application for the Closed Loop Orchard Project will enable an upgrade of our school’s composting system to divert compostable food waste from our red-lid landfill bins into our thriving garden beds,” Mr Chafer said.
“This in turn will see a renewed interest in the school’s Gardening Club projects through increased student and community participation. In line with our School Improvement Plan, the grant will also foster social and community outcomes, including greater collaboration between parents and teachers through a shared project, as well as emotional and mental wellbeing benefits for everyone involved.”
Council has also awarded a cash grant to Arranounbai School in Frenchs Forest to help the school build an immersive native plant garden.
Arranounbai School educates students with special and diverse needs. The new garden will help teach students about local Indigenous plants and their different uses.
Students will be able to see, taste, touch and smell bush tucker plants.
The Eco Schools Grants help local schools to reduce waste, regenerate bushland, reduce carbon emissions, better manage water and teach kids how to live more sustainably.
To find out more and how your school can apply visit our webpage