Bellbrae kids forming community connections

BELLBRAE Primary School students are venturing out of the classroom to better connect with their local community through a school-first, hands-on learning program.

Ten Grade 6 boys are taking part in the Connected Kids program, which has started this year as an outdoor-based learning program.

Among the activities lined up include a day volunteering at local food charity Feed Me Surf Coast, coastal environment survey to study native wildlife and the impact of tourists and plant propagation and revegetation workshops with Torquay Landcare.

Students also have plans to start their own radio station to broadcast the goings-on of their classes and playground to the broader community.

Participating children are also getting their hands dirty on school grounds, helping grow plants and care for animals such as chickens at the school’s garden, and helping erect a large metal sign to mark their outdoor classroom.

The Connected Kids program provides a practical avenue for students to boost their social, emotional and academic development, while becoming active, informed members of sustainable communities.

“The idea of it is to connect these kids into the community and doing some really meaningful activities that give them a really strong sense of place, and just build that resilience in the kids,” project co-ordinator Lachlan Hurrell said.

“It was recognised as a need area to make sure you’re keeping kids really engaged in the school system, and catering for the different ways that people learn.

“We picked students that we thought would really enjoy it and thrive in that outdoor environment, with that hands-on learning.

“Once they’re given that opportunity to connect and give to the community, they really shine.”

Bunnings Warehouse Torquay has supported the Bellbrae PS project by donating materials and tools for the outdoor garden.