Nurturing the future custodians of our planet begins at an early age, and the Newlands ELC is taking bold strides in instilling a love for nature and the environment in their learners.
The Adopt-a-Park program, administered by the City of Greater Dandenong, provides a unique opportunity for ELC students to engage with the local environment while supporting nearby parks and wildlife. The program introduces them to local experts and engages them in hands-on learning experiences.
The primary objectives of this initiative are to nurture a sense of belonging and connection between the Pre-Prep students and the community, and to foster a love for the environment. The program provides a physical space for the students to care for through planting, watering and weeding.
On planting day, one of the program’s highlights was the collaboration with horticulturalists and environmental officers, including a session when the students were taught about different native animals living in the neighbouring bush and wetlands. The children were visibly engaged throughout the experience, especially when Anthony Sorani from the City of Greater Dandenong demonstrated the use of a Hamilton digger. This rather large tool is used to make holes in the ground for planting vegetation. After the demonstration, the students were able to then try their hand at digging and planting different species of plants that were identified as being important to the local area.
Later that day, magpies were spotted enjoying the new garden as they searched for worms and insects. Rachel Pontikis, Head of Newlands ELC, shared that the students “were delighted to see the impact they had already made on the local wildlife and their environment”.
Following the planting, a session took place with a Waste Education Officer from City of Greater Dandenong. The students learnt about the impact that litter has on the environment and ways in which we can help to reduce waste and care for the environment.
Back in the ELC, the students have continued their exploration of plants and nature, this has seen the inclusion of broccoli, potato and tomato plants to the ELC gardens, as well as the creation of miniature terrariums within the classroom. Each day, they tend to the plants in the outdoor and indoor environments, ensuring they are well hydrated and receiving enough sunlight.
As the Pre-Prep children transition to Prep next year, the responsibility for their park maintenance will be passed on to the next generation of ELC students, to continue to protect the newly created habitat. Before the end of the year the two groups will have an opportunity to come together so that the current Reception children can learn from the Pre-Preps before they visit the park in the new year.
This program supports the ELC values of trust, unity and respect. “The children have been entrusted to care for the land, they have been taught how to care for and respect the land, and in doing so they have united with each other and the City of Greater Dandenong to come together for a cause beyond their ELC,” said Rachel.
Through hands-on experiences, expert guidance, and a commitment to sustainability, these young learners are sowing the seeds of a brighter, greener future for themselves and the world they will inherit.