Diamond Creek Primary School Garden Club Coordinator –
volunteer position available

Diamond Creek Primary School (DCPS) has an amazing edible garden that is cared for by the school community, including students who attend garden club once a week during lunchtime. In the school garden, students learn how to grow, care for and harvest a huge variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs. In this role, you will be coordinating a team to support students to build gardening skills in a friendly, inclusive and supportive environment.

About the garden

The garden comprises of 22 raised garden beds, the majority of which are wicking beds. There is an aluminium framed polycarbonate greenhouse, large garden shed and a netted greenery area, a compost area and a potting shed. The garden is self-funded, where sales from seedlings, produce, plants and market stalls assist with the upkeep and running of the garden and the club.

About the role

• Attending and organising garden activities for the children attending garden club once a week.
• Teaching children about edible gardening including growing, caring for plants and harvesting produce.
• Work closely with parent helpers to deliver the activities during garden club.
• Liaise with teaching staff to assist with classroom activities when required.
• Attend and organise market days at school and organise the sale of seeds, seedlings and plants to the school community.
• Continue the relationship with the local cafes, who purchase produce from our garden.
• Purchase materials for the garden when required.

We are looking for someone with:

• Commitment and interest in supporting children and young people.
• Passion and experience in growing, tending, harvesting plants / vegetable garden.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate and interact well with children, young people, families and teachers.
• Commitment to the objectives and ongoing development of the program.
• Understanding of and commitment to the values and ideals of DCPS.

Preferred characteristics

• Passion for edible gardening and sharing your knowledge with children.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to coordinate groups of children and parent helpers.
• Creativity to develop garden activities and engagement opportunities.

Hours

This is varied and dependent on season and harvesting.

Autumn/Winter: 2-3 hours/week.

Spring/Summer: 4-6 hours/week.

Commencement date

Position starting late January 2022.

Some transitional support during Term 4 and the summer school holidays will be available

Please note that this role can be a shared role if there are multiple applicants who would prefer this option.

All expressions of interest and enquires should be directed to Jessica Betts, jebetts@hotmail.com or on 0411 067621.