STUDENTS and staff at Rocky River Public School are taking sustainability to a new level.
Last week they received a $3500 grant from Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall to bolster the school’s garden project.
Mr Marshall said the State Government’s Food Garden in Schools Program supported Rocky River School with the grant to help regenerate the existing garden on the school grounds.
“The Food Garden program promotes healthy, sustainable living through growing and harvesting food,” he said.
“Rocky River has already established a chicken run and now, with this grant, intends to build a compost heap and worm farm and establish raised garden beds, trees and vine trellises.
“These additions will provide practical, hands-on learning for the students and improve their learning.”
Additionally, the project will complement existing school programs such as Crunch and Sip, Live Life Well and Fresh Fruit Program, plus the EnviroMentors Program, which is sponsored by Uralla Shire Council.
“I congratulate Rocky River Public School on its success and encourage people to visit the Environmental Trust website for information about how your school and community can benefit in the next round,” Mr Marshall said.
Rocky River Public School principal Jo Thornton said she was delighted to receive news that the school’s application had been successful.
“We received a response in November that our application had been unsuccessful, which was disappointing, but it’s wonderful news that the funding was approved in a supplementary round,” Mrs Thornton said.
“So we really have to thank Mr Marshall for his support and the interest he’s taken in our project.”
Mrs Thornton said the grant would do a great deal for the school and community and that the students loved to work in the garden.
“They enjoy harvesting the produce and we have sold our eggs and vegies to parents; it’s a great school project and help develops their strong sense of community,” she said.
