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A month of Kitchen Garden Program launches across SA
29-11-2010November has been a whirlwind of launches across South Australia, showcasing a real breadth of beautiful, productive gardens and presenting some simply stunning food.
Christie Downs PS launched on 9 November with special guest and Foundation Ambassador for South Australia Maggie Beer in attendance, as well as Federal Member for Kingston Amanda Rishworth. Students, staff and families enjoyed a full-school picnic and, after the official speeches were completed, celebrated with a really charming school choir and garden games such as gumboot throwing - great fun for all.
Later on the same day, Pimpala PS greeted Maggie with a veritable sea of mini-chefs all waiting patiently for the opening event, along with some spectacular handmade chocolates created during a special workshop. The event was again attended and supported by MP Amanda Rishworth.
It was Wirrabara PS' turn on18 November, when Maggie was welcomed with a scone bake-off, resulting in some superbly light refreshments, and a simply magical garden decorated with beautiful artwork and proudly shown off by student guides. State Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pelekaan attended along with other distinguished guests.
Elizabeth Park Schools launched on the same day (with a three- hour drive between the two it was a big one for Maggie!). The school highlighted student work in the garden and kitchen, with some moving speeches by students and a fabulous choir that even knew the second verse to Advance Australia Fair. A huge ribbon was cut with garden shears and Bendigo Bank gifted a $500 donation. (Thank you Bendigo Bank!)
Then came Coomandook PS on 23 November. Stone walling, ceramic name plaques, stunning mosaic decorations, huge wall murals, a veritable feast of thriving vegetables, the largest compost bays ever seen (it's farming community after all), stunning fresh food, the new pizza oven and a Jump Rope for Heart exhibition that wowed the audience ... the day had it all.
Last but certainly not least, Kilkenny PS went live with special guests including State Education Minister Jay Weatherill and the fabulous Simon Bryant, who stepped in for Maggie. Federal Minister Mark Butler also attended, as did Foundation CEO Ange Barry, along with numerous VIP guests including some of Adelaide's top chefs and Department of Education representatives, who all helped open a brilliant kitchen and thriving garden. As always the food was wonderful and the students did the school immensely proud in their knowledgeable and informative kitchen and garden tours.
Well done to all the South Australian schools on ending the year with a bang and putting the state's kitchen gardens on the national map!
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