| starcommunity.com.au
Page 2 Tuesday, 21 January, 2014
Roots of play By REBECCA BILLS EAGER little hands from Kallista Kindergarten took part in a tree planting ceremony early this month to thank Parks Victoria. The children gathered with parents and staff alongside Parks Victoria staff, Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn and field officer Claire Rock to plant the tree. The kindergarten partnered with Parks Victoria this year to implement a nature kinder program which enabled children to explore and embrace nature in learning. The kinder has met every week in 2013 at the George Tindale Memorial Garden in the rain, hail or shine where the four-year-old students explored, played with natural materials, climbed trees and enjoyed lunch together on the grass. President and parent at Kallista Kindergarten Julie Konda said the children were grateful for Parks Victoria’s enthusiasm and planting the tree is a way of giving something back to the space they have enjoyed all year. “This garden space allocated to our program has been explored, climbed, rolled on, trampled, poked, picked, plucked and played with by many little hands,” she said. “We hope they take away great memories of being here and have forged a connection with the joy of being outdoors.
Kinder students Mya Joyce, Lucas Hickingbotham, Finn Whyte, Reve McLean with Kallista Kindergarten teacher and director Lu-Ann Randall, Dandenong Ranges Gardens Manager David Adeson, ranger Ashley Turnham and councillor Samantha Dunn at the ceremony. 112074 Picture: REBECCA BILLS “We are so lucky to live in the Dandenong Ranges but when you have busy lives it’s easy to take for granted and forgot how incredibly lucky we are.” Dandenong Ranges Gardens Manager David Adeson said it is fantastic to see the children interact with the garden at such a young age. “There have been studies that show the clear benefits that if you have children interacting with the environment it produces a healthy society,” he said. Mr Adeson said having the program in the gardens has increased its value as a community asset. “We maintain this place for
the community and it’s a stunning garden,” he said. “We would happily see programs like this extended with us.” Kallista Kindergarten also achieve the highest rating during a recent Department of Education and Early Development assessment process after exceeding national quality standards in all areas that they were judged on. The nature kinder program was the brainchild of director and teacher at Kallista Kindergarten Lu-Ann Randall who said the program’s success this year means it will extend to all three and four-year-old kinder group in 2014.
PEOPLE
LIVING IN THE
Connecting people and communities RTM
Students take the lead By REBECCA BILLS TWO students from Monbulk Secondary College said they are honoured after receiving the prestigious ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork award. Year 12 student Sam Dekkers and Year 10 student John Riddell are two of 3506 students across Australia to receive the notable award and both said it was unexpected. Sam said he had always held leadership positions at school as sports captain in both Year 11 and Year 12 and was also vicecaptain of the school this year. “I talked at assembles and had to be a good role model at the school,” he said. “Winning this award was pretty exciting and is a great honour.” The ADF Long Tan Award began in 2006 to encourage leadership and teamwork among school-aged students as an integral part of their personal development and contributions towards enhancing community spirit within the school and broader community. Students in years 10 and 12 were recognised with awards of $250 and $550 respectively, along with a certificate of merit. Assistant principal Eric Markham said the award is terrific recognition for both students for what they have given to the school over the years. “Both have been exemplarily in their behaviour and always willing to help so it is good that they have got some recognition in regards to that,” he said. “They are always looking at doing positive things for the
ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork award recipients Sam Dekkers and John Riddell with assistant principal Eric Picture: REBECCA BILLS Markham. 111832 school and for the students - it’s great to have that kind of student in the school setting. John said winning the award was such a surprise and the money he won will go towards his debutante ball next year. Head of Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division Major-General Paul Brereton congratulated the students from around Australia who have gained the award. “To have so many young
Australians recognised by their schools for contributing to their local community and demonstrating leadership qualities is outstanding,” Major-General Brereton said. “To be able to commend the efforts of exceptional young Australians through this award is fantastic. “This year, as with previous years, we have seen an enthusiastic response from secondary colleges across the country.”
WHILE WE UPGRADE YOUR NETWORK, REMEMBER TO PLAN AHEAD.
SUBURBS ARE AT RISK
FROM FIRE TOO.
Homes near grasslands or bush are at risk from ire. Know what to do when one starts. Visit the VicEmergency website.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO? visit emergency.vic.gov.au call 1800 240 667 download the FireReady app
This Summer we’re making further improvements to your network. As we do so, you’ll notice changes to your normal Metro services while we undertake major construction works to remove two level crossings in Mitcham. Our Summer Works timetable includes reduced services and bus replacements along the Belgrave and Lilydale lines. To ensure your trip is a smooth one, please plan ahead by visiting ptv.vic.gov.au. We thank you for your patience as we work to make your network even better.
Transforming your network