Thanks to the change X funding we were able to get our school grow boxes and all other supplies like seeds , soil and feed from GIY and at no extra cost to the school. We have not had a school vegetable garden before and with this funding we now have four grow boxes and have Potatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, parsnips and radishes currently growing and we still have more to plant! This garden project has been of great benefit to all the school community as all our students and staff are able to take part . The children are learning about the true source of their food, and gaining valuable gardening concepts and skills that integrate with the curriculum for e.g We have to measure seed spacing and ensure the plants have all they need to grow. Throughout this project the children are really enjoying working with the other class within the school and they are building on their cooperation, teamwork and social skills, as well as their patience as they wait to see the spoils of their labour! It has been a fun project! Here are some comments from the children on the project.
“We get to mix with the big class.” – Jack
“We are learning how to plant now.” – Ella
“We got to be with the other room and learn with them.” – Grace
“I learnt that salad seeds are really small.” – Thomas
“ I like getting the fresh air and being together.” – Aoife
“We will have some nice things to eat at the end.” – Maebh
“I like seeing it growing.”- Caoimhe
Our delivery for GIY arrived and the children had great fun filling the Grow boxes with compost. This was the first time that the two classes of Hollyford NS came together since restrictions were lifted. They really enjoyed meeting mixing with the children in the other class.
I liked working with Declan, he helped me put the dirt in the thing’ - Jack
‘I liked chatting with Dearbhla’ - Aoife
‘I liked being with Orlaith and working together.’ – Bernie
‘I liked chatting to Brian. It was satisfying picking up all the dirt and putting it in the pot.’ – Thomas
‘I liked when we helped each other when holding the bag.’ – Maria
We look forward to begin planting next week!
Kick off meeting – 12/10/21
Present; Siobhan Ryan, Esther Kennedy, James O’Reilly, Catherine Fogarty
Action Plan
• Update our school Covid 19 Response plan to include;
1. Any GIY meetings are to be kept to a minimum of four people practicing physical distancing of 6 feet/2 metres apart.
2. A class rota for garden maintenance is to be set up to ensure no mixing of class bubbles.
• Select site for four raised beds (3ft X3ft) – Include pupils in the decision process taking into consideration sun, shelter, accessibility and visibility for classroom
• Purchase GIY grow box is €850.
• Put raised beds together if need be.
• Add soil to beds.
• Follow the four bed plan and monthly sow plan as detailed in the GIY resource guide
• Assign vegetables to be sown to a given class.
There are many benefits to the school from creating a school garden. For e.g. All students and staff will be able to take part . Children will learn about the true source of their food, and gain valuable gardening concepts and skills that integrate with several subjects on the curriculum, e.g. Maths and science . Through this project the students will also improve their focus and patience, cooperation, teamwork and social skills.
Kick off meeting – 12/10/21
Present; Siobhan Ryan, Esther Kennedy, James O’Reilly, Catherine Fogarty
Action Plan
• Update our school Covid 19 Response plan to include;
1. Any GIY meetings are to be kept to a minimum of four people practicing physical distancing of 6 feet/2 metres apart.
2. A class rota for garden maintenance is to be set up to ensure no mixing of class bubbles.
• Select site for four raised beds (3ft X3ft) – Include pupils in the decision process taking into consideration sun, shelter, accessibility and visibility for classroom
• Purchase GIY grow box is €850.
• Put raised beds together if need be.
• Add soil to beds.
• Follow the four bed plan and monthly sow plan as detailed in the GIY resource guide
• Assign vegetables to be sown to a given class.
There are many benefits to the school from creating a school garden. For e.g. All students and staff will be able to take part . Children will learn about the true source of their food, and gain valuable gardening concepts and skills that integrate with several subjects on the curriculum, e.g. Maths and science . Through this project the students will also improve their focus and patience, cooperation, teamwork and social skills.
