Junior School Learning
AUTHOR SUSANNE GERVAY
THE GIFT OF LIGHT
JUNIOR SCHOOL GARDENING CLUB
Year 6 students ventured to the Senior School library to listen to author Susanne Gervay speak about her latest book, Heroes of the Secret Underground – a gripping Middle Grade Holocaust novel based on Susanne’s parents’ childhood and their escape from Budapest during WW2.
Year 5 Loreto Kirribilli students are playing their part in helping the more than 1.4 billion people globally who live without power. In partnership with the Origin Energy Foundation, students constructed solar powered lights, known as ‘SolarBuddies’, which will enable children in Papua New Guinea to study long after the sun goes down.
With trowels and seeds at the ready, gardening gloves on and armed with watering cans, our intrepid Loreto Kirribilli Gardening Club set out to conquer the world of vegetable growing. Although we have not yet categorically “won” the war, we can safely say that we are learning lots and smiling brightly as we valiantly battle our numerous enemies (slugs, snails, building work relocation and frosts to name a few).
With humour and heartfelt moments, Susanne shared insights into her journey as a writer and as an advocate for children’s literature. Her incredible warmth and passion to empower young people to make a difference in this world was evident, and her positive outlook after overcoming adversity was truly inspiring.
I was fascinated by her life story and felt different emotions. One minute I was excited, then sad and then empowered. ELIANA MOSS (YEAR 6)
Designed especially for children, the lights are easy to operate, carry and charge. Without them, communities are forced to rely on fossil fuel sources like kerosene and diesel which are toxic, expensive and damaging to the environment. "These SolarBuddy lights will help children living in energy poverty to continue studying long after the sun goes down, improving their education outcomes and overall health and wellbeing", commented Martin Lobo, Acting Head of Junior School.
The girls also enjoyed a visit to St Aloysius' to meet the boys involved in their long-established Gardening Club. Not only did our girls impart some of their handy tips, but they learned a great many more from their Aloysius' counterparts, including the enormous benefits of compost in enhancing vegetable growth.
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