The Royal Botanic Gardens’ Oak Lawns was the perfect backdrop for a memorable 47th Victorian Schools Garden Award Presentation Ceremony, offering an inspiring setting surrounded by nature’s beauty with the sun shining and 400 students, teachers, sponsors, and special guests in attendance.
Schools from across the state gathered to
celebrate their school garden achievements and to learn which award their school had received. This year, 38 successful schools will share in over $46,000 worth of funds and garden products, enabling them to continue developing their green spaces and enriching student experiences. Congratulations to all the participants for their outstanding efforts in outdoor education and sustainability!
The three state finalists this year, each showcasing distinct approaches to their school garden programs but achieving transformative learning experiences, were St James Parish Primary School in Sebastopol, East Bentleigh Primary School and Keilor Downs College.
Taking the top honour, St James Parish Primary School received the prestigious Kevin Heinze Perpetual Award for their exceptional efforts. The school’s native habitat garden serves as a vibrant outdoor classroom, enhancing cross-curricular learning and offering a dedicated nature play area that fosters students’ connection to the earth and their local Indigenous community.
The Victorian Schools Garden Program encourages all schools to view their outdoor spaces as an opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. These green spaces not only provide engaging, hands-on educational experiences but also support the health and well-being of students, making them vital to every school and student’s development.
Click here to view 2024 VSGP Awards Results
The VSGP would like to extend our gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support and belief in the importance of school garden programs. Together, we are sowing the seeds for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.