On Wednesday July 23 our Year 9 students had Maree, Louise, Jo and Sally present to them on Saltbush Balnarring – one of our Kildare Ministry community works. Saltbush offer respite to families who need a break, including those who have experienced trauma or live with disabilities.

After the presentation students were given a piece of nature from Saltbush and drew and painted it. Below are some thoughts from our year 9s:

“From the presentation we learnt that being in nature helps families” – Dalia, Summer, Ruby

” We liked learning about the history of Saltbush – set up by the Presentation Sisters – and how its story continues to help people today” – Amber, Charlotte.

“We enjoyed hearing about the diversity of people who come at stay at Saltbush, how they are up doing the plantation and how much work the volunteers do” – Miki and Diva

“We enjoyed learning about how Saltbush helps people.” – Isabel

“Saltbush helps people who need it by giving them a holiday”- Madi

“We learnt how Saltbush is run, and how a big part of Saltbush is ran by volunteers.” – Edwina

” Saltbush helps the community and they help restoring the environment” – Mia

“The volunteers were passionate and in-depth about the regeneration of the plants.” – Willow

“We liked the art activity since we could paint the plants we chose.” – Glory

“It was really interesting to hear about Saltbush, especially when learning about the importance of nature and what it can do for your mental health.” – Alyssa

Thank you to Ms. Dalton, Ms. Tolan, Ms. Starr, Ms. Howard Ms. Nolan, and Ms. Blythe who all worked with students during the workshop.

“I gained knowledge of how being in nature can make you calm and how it can also help with mental health.”

“I learnt about different kinds of plants during the activity and gained knowledge about how nature is positive tool for everyone”

Liz Sullivan
School Improvement Leader: New Narrative and New Metrics