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At the start of term, the children at Edwardstown Primary School got their hands dirty helping the team plant the new oval play space.
Situated on the southern side of the oval, the space incorporates pathways, the relocated long jump pit, stepping stones, a balance beam, new plants and trees, and an outdoor classroom space.
The tables and bench seats in the outdoor classroom will enable a class to learn outside, creating a connection with the environment. This will improve education, interpersonal, social, and critical thinking skills, as well as mental and physical health.It will also be a great space for families after hours and for weekend sports.
During our visit to the school Wartu Director Tim Graham, a Kaurna and Narungga Elder spoke with the students about the importance of bush medicine in his culture. He explained the benefits of many plants, including the eucalyptus tree, whose sap can also be collected, boiled in water until dissolved and then rubbed onto sores and cuts as an antiseptic.
This was a great opportunity for the children to learn more about the benefits of using nature to heal their bodies and share their own experiences with their families in nature. Many of the students spoke about their love for helping their parents grow vegetables and flowers in the garden.
Edwardstown Primary School Principal Vicky Bashford joined Tim and Year 1 student Airlie in planting a Eucalyptus tree. The students are looking forward to watching the tree grow during their time at the school and hope a Koala will one day call it home.
Wartu acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we are based, the people of the Kaurna Nation and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their rich culture, celebrating the stories and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
