Our College Backyard

Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie, Year 12 students, launched their sustainable garden as part of their Catholic Schools Week celebration. (3 May 2022)

Congratulations to Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie, on the launch of their inspiring sustainable garden project during Catholic Schools Week, highlighting the theme of ‘Care, Compassion and Community.’

The College community garden named ‘The Backyard’ is an exciting collaborative achievement between enthusiastic and passionate Year 12 students and staff with the aim of utilising the fresh organic produce for the College café, ‘The Food Project.’

‘The students voted on naming the garden - The Backyard, and we hope it can be a welcoming place where we can come together to connect, and it's right in our College Backyard,’ said Year 12 student Ashley.

A stirring aspect of this initiative is that the school also aims to donate surplus produce to local community groups such as the St Agnes' Parish Soup Kitchen. Newman College students value the importance of displaying the principles of Catholic social teachings by supporting those most in need in the community.

What is unique about this project is the partnership and teamwork demonstrated by Year 12 staff and students across numerous Key Learning Areas. Each subject area revealed their skills and knowledge in a highly practical manner that will enhance and enrich the schooling experience for their peers for years to come.

‘Our classes worked in the garden during lesson time, and this lent itself to building social connections and a stronger sense of community through interactions and discussions. It's a great outdoor learning space designed and created by students,’ said College Chaplain and manager of the project Tess Tarrant-Clarke.

This project is far more than creating a space. It is an opportunity to encourage sustainable, environmentally-friendly gardening practices, build social connections and a strong sense of community. There is more to come with this exciting project, as there are plans for a water tank and the development of thriving native bee habitat.