Growing knowledge from the ground up

Two children in colorful aprons planting seeds in a garden, surrounded by soil and green plants.
Tucked away in a thriving corner of our campus, something remarkable is growing—fresh produce, curious minds, and a deep respect for the Earth.

From Garden to Table

From planting seedlings and caring for crops, to harvesting, preparing and sharing meals made with seasonal produce, students at the School of the Nativity experience the full cycle of sustainability in food while growing healthy habits and a sense of community.

Integrated Learning At Its Core

The school follows the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program—a practical, hands-on approach to learning experienced through gardening and cooking lessons. Deeply grounded in ecological responsibility, the nationally renowned program offers thoughtfully designed cooking and planting lessons which fit seamlessly into key curriculum areas such as English, Maths, Science and even Art.

Fostering Ownership and Independence

Spending two lessons a week, the students develop their understanding of food origins and how food connects us to the world while nurturing their soft skills in collaboration and responsibility. As students take ownership of the garden and the meals they create, a deep sense of independence and pride is built. At Nativity, the school promotes a strong commitment to building positive relationships with food and equipping students with lifelong skills.

Cooking Up Care and Compassion

But it’s not just in the garden, the school is committed to all aspects of the ecological cycle by composting kitchen scraps, collecting seeds to use again next year, and even selling leftover produce to the school community. Recently, students cooked soup for donation to the Sister Janet Mead Adelaide Day Centre which offers care, comfort and food to people experiencing homelessness. By embedding these values early, the School of the Nativity is nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious, health-aware individuals who are empowered to see food not just as fuel, but as a way to care—for themselves, their community, and the planet.

To find out more about the program, join a tour of the school and discover what’s on offer at the School of the Nativity, go to nativity.catholic.edu.au

 

 

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

 

You may also like

Cover art for Opal Wonders series.

Opal Wonders: A colourful new way to learn about the past

July 2, 2025

For many of us, a love of history starts not in a classroom, but in a conversation—with a grandparent, a neighbour, or a family friend who shares a story that sparks curiosity. That very idea is at the heart of Opal Wonders, a new five-part animated video series designed for students in Reception to Year 2.

Read More
Two women stand beside a pink banner, smiling and engaging with the audience at an event.

Brighter futures for SA’s young carers

July 2, 2025

Being a young carer is no small job — and now, thanks to a new partnership between Young Carers SA and national not-for-profit Raise, South Aussie kids aged 13 to 16 who look after family members can access free, expert online mentoring to help them feel supported and seen.

Read More
A man and a boy stand together in front of a school, smiling and enjoying their time outdoors.

Leaps and bounds: Reuben’s inspirational story

July 1, 2025

When Reuben first began at Christian Brothers College in Reception, he was shy and unsure, with only a few basic words to communicate. Today, he walks through the Junior Campus with confidence – smiling, laughing, and signing with friends and staff who have shared in his remarkable journey.

Read More
Load More