St Joseph's sows SEED for agriculture in the classroom
MEDIA RELEASE - St Joseph's sows SEED for agriculture in the classroom
January 2015
St Joseph's School in Pemberton is forging ahead in its quest to deliver learning with relevance, by working with the Southern Forests SEED Program to develop and pilot integrated agriculture learning programs in local schools.
In 2014, St Joseph's teacher Heidi Tempra was contracted by the Shire of Manjimup's Royalties for Regions funded SEED Program to develop new integrated learning programs with agricultural themes. These programs were then piloted in two of the school's classes, with overwhelming success.
St Joseph's Principal Carlo Pardini said the school was eager for the SEED Program's support of the development of these programs, as they will ultimately be of great benefit to the students and school community.
"The students and teachers got a lot out of the programs that were piloted in 2014," Mr Pardini said. "It was fantastic to see the students so engaged in the topics, especially in class, and to have a real link between what they experience at school and what they see beyond the school gates."
Shire of Manjimup President Wade DeCampo said the SEED Program was working hard to deliver meaningful learning programs in agriculture. "The support of St Joseph's in developing and trialling these programs has been invaluable," said Councillor DeCampo.
"By allowing the SEED Program into their school, St Joseph's is enhancing the learning experience for their students. Through this new program they are learning about the place they live and the industries which surround them, which will help them to gain a better understanding of agriculture," he said.
"It is exciting to know that students as young as seven are learning about potato crops, irrigation, varieties and whole farming systems. And better still, they loved it!"
The Southern Forests SEED Program plans to have several integrated agriculture learning packages for junior and middle schools to adopt in 2015. Programs are cross-curricula and have direct links to the Australian Curriculum. For more information please contact Stephanie Carstairs at the Shire of Manjimup stephanie.carstairs@manjimup.wa.gov.au .
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
