Holy Trinity Primary School, Curtin, have officially opened their newly refurbished Kitchen Garden with a special Liturgy and dedication to the Eldridge family.

The learning space has a rich history, with many families, past and present, represented in the pavers throughout the garden. It is named after the Eldridge family, who have an incredible 44 year association with Holy Trinity.

Robyn and John Eldridge had nine children who all attended Holy Trinity Primary School. Their eldest child, Damien, started Kindergarten at Holy Trinity in 1976. Their youngest child, Zac, graduated from Holy Trinity in 2008. In 2010, their grandchild, Huon, started at the school, followed by his three younger brothers. Their youngest grandchild, Liam, is currently in Year 3.

Throughout their association with the school, Robyn and John volunteered their time, assisting at school functions, fetes and in the canteen. They shared fond memories of the days when the Sisters of Charity nuns taught at the school, the tradition of the Kindergarten ball and the school’s pet cockatoo.

The garden project was inspired by the 2019 Year 2 class, who in their inquiry, collaborated and developed a proposal to transform the area into a useable outdoor classroom. The students saw the space as a ‘problem’ and decided they would take action by redesigning the area into a garden and outdoor learning space.

“As an International Baccalaureate school, we certainly encourage our students to think critically, and consider effective ways to solve problems and take action,” said Principal, Philippa Brearley. “This beautiful learning space is the result of such action and work at our school, and for that, I truly celebrate this learning.”

Year 2 surveyed staff and fellow students and wrote letters to the Parents and Friends (P&F) Council outlining their ideas. The school received funding of $15,000 from Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra, through the Australian Government Local School Community Fund. The P&F Council generously donated another $10,000 to the project. The landscaping was completed by Utopia Landscaping.

“I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of this school because of its incredible community, and how grateful I am to be part of such an inclusive and supportive community,” said Philippa.

“All our community, present, past and into the future, are significant members of our family here. Their contributions, whether openly recognised or achieved quietly and consistently, are certainly appreciated and acknowledged, today and always,” she said.