The St Michael’s Catholic Primary School community gathered in May to remember and celebrate the life of Jordan Taylor, a sustainability enthusiast at the age of 7, who lost a sudden fight with a brain tumour.

Jordan’s life was celebrated through an opening and blessing, by Archbishop of Canberra –Goulburn Christopher Prowse, of a Greenhouse and Garden built by members of the school and business community.

After waking early on the 17th May 2017 with a headache, Jordan crawled into bed with her mother Mia where she did not regain consciousness. Within hours Jordan was at Canberra Hospital receiving emergency surgery ahead of being flown to Sydney by the Snowy Hydro Helicopter. Over the next few days Jordan did not respond to further surgery or treatment and early on the 26th, with her Mother and Father by her side, Jordan passed.

Alan and Mia Taylor who had recently moved to Canberra have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown.

“Being new to town, we were astonished by the support we had received, from food deliveries, to a cupcake stall, and the generous donations of time and materials from many local companies have been truly appreciated.  We are part of a beautiful community and we are grateful for that. Thank-you so much for your support,” Jordan’s mum Mia said. “Jordan would be proud of what we have create together.”

Jordan’s school community was keenly supported by the business community in creating a legacy in her honour, a greenhouse to celebrate Jordan’s short life, and in memory of her personal interest in sustainability. 

St Michael’s Principal Mr Patrick Ellis said Miss Jordan’s Greenhouse is all about precious life, nurturing growth and passion for sustainability.

“Jordan’s memory will be forever in the hearts and minds of future students who come to learn the way nature works, to support the growth of healthy fresh foods, and how to create sustainable energy and environments.”

The morning will include the official opening of the greenhouse project funded and built by the community, including families from the school and local Canberra businesses.

A number of distinguished guests joined the community gathering including Senator Zed Seselja, Archbishop of Canberra Goulburn Diocese Christopher Prowse, Director of Catholic Education Ross Fox, and MLAs Meegan Fitzharris, Alistair Coe, Michael Patterson, Suzanne Orr and James Milligan.