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Proston SS launches the Kitchen Garden Program

The Kitchen Garden Program has sprouted at Queensland's Proston SS.

Receiving funding as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program in 2010, Proston SS has finished building the kitchen and garden infrastructure and started kitchen and garden classes with a thrilled bunch of students and staff.

The launch was held in conjunction with the school's spring fete, and welcomed a great turnout from the local community. Local Councillor Kathy Duff was exceptionally honoured to be the VIP opening the Program. Other special guests included Mayor David Carter and Nanago Councillor Barry Green.

The Proston SS students put in a huge effort, preparing in the weeks leading up to the event plenty of pizza dough and sauces for their ‘pizza shop. On launch eve they held a big prep session to ready the remaining fresh ingredients, including vegan, pumpkin, silver beet and feta, Hawaiian, chicken satay and meatlovers (all decisions made by the inventive students!).

On the day, children rotated through various shifts in their pizza shop, which of course they took very seriously. Some rolled dough, others piled on toppings, and shop assistants sold pizzas by the slice and whole to hungry attendees. All the pizza boxes had been lovingly decorated by the children leading up to the day, and they also sold school-made jams, chutneys and recipe cards.

Some heartfelt speeches included those from Maranda Lambert, the Proston SS Garden Specialist, who shared her wonderful insight into the school's journey to this point. Julie, a very committed volunteer, shared her experience in and passion for the Program. Principal Ree Burgan spoke with joy of what they had accomplished within the school and Councillor Kathy Duff shared how impressed she was with what had been created at the school. The Proston SS children also talked about what being part of the Kitchen Garden Program means to them.

The Proston SS kitchen garden team also includes program Coordinator and Kitchen Specialist Jane Mason. The small school of 116 students will have all students in Years 3,4,5 and 6 participating in weekly kitchen garden classes.

Congratulations Proston SS - welcome to the kitchen garden family!