The Principal’s Breakfast on Monday morning was a resounding success, inspiring attendees with ideas and strategies to enhance school gardens. The event brought together a diverse group of principals, school garden specialists, and teachers, fostering a vibrant sharing of knowledge and experiences.

A lineup of speakers shared personal stories, highlighting the triumphs and challenges of building and maintaining school gardens while integrating them into the curriculum. Special guest Costa Georgiadis’ infectious passion for gardening and sustainability captivated the audience with a heartfelt message encouraging attendees to lead with the heart, to grow from the ground up and make a difference for generations to come.

Sponsors of the breakfast Plantfulness, believe children need to understand the earth and enjoy the health and benefits of gardens. They support projects with resources and knowledge.

Key takeaways included:

• Learn Together: If you don’t know how, learn alongside students.
• Student-Centered Design: Involve children in envisioning and shaping the garden.
• Integrated Learning: Use every garden task as a learning opportunity – identify, research, and solve problems.
• Leadership Matters: While passionate garden educators are essential, strong support from principals is crucial for success.

The morning was a celebration of the enduring value of gardens as an integral part of school life and learning. It encouraged commitment to nurturing both gardens and young minds, inspiring a collective vision for sustainable education and student health and wellbeing.

Missed it this year? Don’t worry – next year’s Principals’ Breakfast will be bigger, better, and greener.

Event sponsors

Do you have a garden educator or volunteer at your school who deserves recognition for their hard work?     

School gardens often have a dedicated ‘garden champion’ who goes above and beyond to ensure the program thrives for the benefit of students and school. Here is your chance to honour their efforts!

Nominate your School Garden Champion by completing the nomination form by 8 November.

The School Garden Champion Award and prize will be presented at the Principal’s Breakfast (information below) on Monday 9 December and present by our favourite gardener, Costa Georgiadis.