Testimonials

A small sample of testimonials from our recent surveys and independent evaluations.

Student Learning Outcomes

“Working across the school in this manner is an excellent way of creating ownership across the school and allowing maximum participation from students.” Berendale P-12 Special School

“We have over 42 nationalities in our school and a large refugee population from Sudan. The experience of doing vegetable gardening with New Arrivals has shown me how valuable it was for the children”. Independent Evaluation 2008

“The student leadership group is spearheading efforts.”

Yarraville West Primary School.

“[the Multicultural School Gardens program] gives these students successes; they often don’t have a lot of successes at school. Students who often don’t persist were determined to finish.”

Participating ESL teacher, 2010.

Absolutely brilliant program. … Students who in the past may have been disengaged were totally taken with this part of the program." Laverton Primary School

“The ESL students involved enjoyed the gardening and it was good to see their interest and knowledge being explored. The children also interacted with each [other] positively and those students with little English were able to learn and develop as well.” Teacher, 2011

“an opportunity to … implement VELS through real life learning." (Cutter-McKenzie, 2007)

“We need to get these kids learning as much language, as quickly as possible. With the garden you are reading instructions and recipes, and you are writing. It’s physical and its hands on. We have talked a lot about conservation and water. It has just been great”.Lyndale Primary School 2010

“The resources are a long term source of curriculum support in the school…” Teacher, 2011.

Teacher Professional Learning Outcomes

"The SFL program has been fantastic. It helped me to work out how to lead, and how to look long term. The program has both complemented our other environmental education programs, and initiated sustainable practices in our school." Berwick Fields PS

Parent and Community Outcomes

“This is a continuing program which benefits the children and the community. The pride we have in what we have achieved and the involvement of our children and the community consolidates this as the most important project we have been involved in on so many levels. Thank you … for your enthusiasm and assistance.” 

Principal, Bayles Regional Primary School

“Strong community partnerships have been forged with businesses and the council” Bentleigh West Primary School Cutter-Mackenzie, A. (2007)

“There were lots of small projects happening with no central co-ordination. [This project] helped co-ordinate and streamline the process.” Berendale Special School (P-12)

“It has given our school a common focus/vision, a sense of achievement, pride and greater involvement by the whole community.” Carrum PS

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