During the 2022 Christmas Holiday the Surf Coast Shire replaced our entrance pathway. We are looking forward to the next stage which will include a welcome arbor that will incorporate some lovely trees, plants and our Hebel sculptures.
Looking forward to getting our next garden project underway.
As soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow, hopefully by March 2022.
We will focus on beautifying the entrance point to our front verandah. Replanting a shade providing tree and the understorage area with beautiful smelling plants.
Each family will also work on creating their own hebel sculpture that will form part of our welcoming space. The space is clear and ready to go, Michelle has obtained the hebel which the Mens shed has offered to support us cutting into managable pieces. Hopefully we can obtain a grant to support us with this project and get it underway very soon.
JUNIOR EARTHLINGS SUSTAINABILITY & SCIENCE PROGRAM
One of Lorne Kindergarten’s most significant environmental achievements since 2014 is the implementation of our original Junior Earthlings Sustainability & Science Program.
Our goal is to engage children in the three core branches of Science to ensure their understanding of Sustainability is broader than simply recycling, tree planting and water management:
- Natural Science (physics, chemistry, earth sciences)
- Social Sciences (behaviour, history, culture including Indigenous themes)
- Formal Science (mathematics, statistics, hypothesis testing)
The IMPROVEMENTS To OUR KINDERGARTEN OUTDOOR, WILDSPACE & Kitchen GARDEN. This all started in 2014, look how far we have come by 2018
Junior Earthlings Sustainability & Science Program
PROGRAM GOALS
2014/15
- Install an amazing River Creek Bed & ecosystem
- Install water tank & interactive pump
- ‘Scraps for Animals’ program
- New recycling & waste separating system
2016/17
- Develop our ‘Wild Space’ for bush kinder activities
- Build a ‘Produce Garden’ so children can grow vegetables & herbs
- Install large water tanks to service the Wild Space & Produce Garden
- New larger community composting facility
- Larger worm farm to better cope with all our scraps
The Junior Earthlings Sustainability & Science Program is unique to Lorne Kinder. It was developed by one of our parents, Susannah, to bring together all of Michelle and Alyce’s amazing work on Sustainability under one fun umbrella.
Parents can read journal entries for more information on our Sustainability programs!
Wild Space Garden Project
Below are some idea's for our new Wild Space garden.
This years main project will be developing the space behind the kindergarten into a usable produce garden and a bush/wild space that offers the children the opportunity to explore the natural environment.
WHY?
There is a growing realisation that children benefit by being involved in ‘wild’ spaces. They need dynamic and complex outdoor environments, with opportunities for risk and challenge – places
where there is adventure, delight, laughter, daring and joy.
Click Below for a live updates
https://www.pinterest.com/michelledanks18/garden-ideas-for-our-kinder/
RIVER CREEK BED PROJECT
The idea of installing a river creek bed was raised by Michelle and Alyce in 2013 after attending a fantastic Professional development day. This idea was supported by the Committee of 2013 and a Spring Dance was organised to raise the funds needed. The planning process took a little while however we are happy to announce that it is now complete. A special mention and Thank you to the 2014 Kindergarten Maintenance team who supported the completion of this project.
Our First step was for Michelle & Alyce to come up with a rough design. Next Matt organised all the trades and materials needed for each stage. Myles, Matt & Chris set out the position of the rocks, before Tom came and set out his form work. Lee also arrived to set up the underground plumbing work for the pump. When all this was in place, Tom was ready to pour the cement. When the cement was dry, Matt and Myles returned with the smaller rocks that have been laid around the top of the area to finish off the job. Last but not least the plants have gone in to attract the butterflies, lizards and beautify the area. Great job guys. This area has really enhanced our outdoor play space and provides unlimited open ended new challenges for the children. We are enjoying this play space every single day.
A HUGE Thank you from all the Children, Parents and Teachers for many years to come.
