Vale Park Primary

A Program We Are Proud of at Vale Park Primary School

One of the true strengths of Vale Park Primary School is our exceptional Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

While many schools offer kitchen or garden experiences, what makes our program unique is the frequency and consistency of learning opportunities provided to students. Our students participate in either a kitchen or garden lesson every week for three terms of the year, allowing them to develop deep knowledge, practical skills and meaningful connections to their learning over time.

Over the years, our program has become a model that other schools look to when developing their own kitchen and garden programs. We have proudly hosted conferences, welcomed educators from schools across South Australia and beyond, and most recently hosted a principal from New Zealand who visited to learn more about how our program operates.

The impact of the program extends far beyond cooking and gardening.
• Students apply mathematical concepts through measurement, counting, data collection, budgeting and exploring arrays and patterns in the garden.
• Literacy skills are strengthened through reading recipes and instructions, recording observations, researching plants, writing reflections and engaging in rich oral language experiences.
• Students develop important dispositions and life skills including collaboration, persistence, problem-solving, responsibility, creativity and resilience.
• The program also strengthens our sense of community. We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who generously give their time each week to support student learning. Their contribution helps make the program the success it is today.

Most importantly, our Kitchen Garden Program provides authentic, hands-on learning experiences that help students connect classroom learning to the real world. Students’ passion for the program extends beyond their lessons, with a number of students organising their own action groups to continue the work they have been doing in the lessons during their play time. Through regular participation in the Kitchen Garden Program, students develop important lifelong dispositions including curiosity, resilience, responsibility, collaboration, creativity, persistence and confidence. They learn to care for living things, work effectively with others, solve problems, take initiative and contribute positively to their community.

We are incredibly proud of the program we have built and grateful to the staff – especially Alix and Claire, volunteers and students who continue to make it such a special part of life at Vale Park Primary School.

☕🎉 Our Community Biggest Morning Tea Raffle has now been drawn!

A huge thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and supported this wonderful cause. Your generosity helps make a real difference.

If you entered the raffle, please keep an ear out for a phone call over the next week, as we will be contacting all prize winners directly.

Congratulations to our lucky winners, and thank you again to our community for your incredible support of the Biggest Morning Tea! 💛

Dear school community

We are delighted to invite you to an Afternoon Tea as an opportunity to connect with others in the community.
Please join us in the OSHC/SAKG kitchen for some light refreshments before school pick up.
Younger siblings of school children welcome to attend with parents/caregivers.
Please RSVP by Monday 15th June via the link below or via the attached QR code
Community Afternoon Tea

Last Chance to get Raffle Tickets to help raise money for the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea Community Raffle. The raffle closes on Thursday 28th May at 3pm and will be drawn Friday 29th May. Winners will be notified by phone.

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/knWp2FDxSsp1IMna?loc=swsp

Term 2, Week 4, 2026 Leadership message