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Over the last six years the St. Pat’s Kitchen Garden has grown and developed from very small beginnings to a large garden growing many and varied vegetables, some citrus fruits and herbs. A warm and welcoming space has been created to allow students and teachers to reflect, talk and work together on common projects.
The Kitchen Garden’s primary focus is the development of oral language, assisting the acquisition of vocabulary through practical gardening activities, which develop confidence amongst the students. We have found that working together on the many and varied projects in and around the garden has improved and developed the students’ ability to socialize, communicate, connect and most importantly co-operate with their peers.
Part of our program involves cooking and using many of the vegetables or herbs grown in the garden. Any excess produce often goes home to families and shared with the community.
The Kitchen Garden is embedded in our school culture and programs, constantly changing, improving and growing.