Spring has sprung and BCE students are out in full force, greening their gardens, and watering the flowers, in the lead up to Season of Creation which begins today (1 September 2022).
The Season of Creation (1 September to 4 October) is time Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) students are reminded to try to renew their relationships with God and all creation.
This year’s theme is ‘listen to the voice of creation.’
During the Season of Creation, BCE schools join in prayer and action for our common home here on earth, with students enjoying garden clubs, learning about environmental threats and about the sacredness of nature, Earth, and the universe.
St Ambrose’s Primary School Principal John Hinton said throughout Season of Creation his students partake in Mud Engineering which provides them with practical gardening skills like planting and harvesting, while also teaches students about God’s presence in the natural world.
“We are so lucky to have a special place like The Garden in our school, a place where students can not only grow and learn about our environment but also realise the importance of ecological spirituality,” he said.
“The Garden is a place where our students can not only learn about plants and gardening, but also hear Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home.”
“The modern ecological crisis has created a need for environmentally based religion and spirituality, and Garden Club helps our students recognise their relationship as human beings to all of creation.”
St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School Clear Island Waters students with the local Surfers Paradise Member John Paul Langbroek.
In the true spirit of Season of Creation, students from St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School Clear Island Waters teachers challenged their Year 4 students to compose compelling persuasive letters to their school Principal David Sewell, on why the unused planter boxes position in the Year 4 junior playground must be used to create a garden. As a result, the students incorporated their newfound knowledge of sustainability and the many benefits that come from growing and maintaining a vegetable garden to support their argument.
Principal David Sewell said the BCE students’ persuasive letters became a reality this week with John Paul Langbroek, State Member for Surfers Paradise, visiting the school grounds to deliver a grant to assist with improving the student's new ‘Vinnies Garden.’
“This year our students truly listened to the voice of creation and with the support and monetary funds from local Member John Paul Langbroek, the birth of the Year Four garden was created just in time for the Season of Creation,” he said.
“Students are accountable and excited about maintaining the garden, as they watch it grow in preparation for harvest, with ideas to even use the fresh produce for munch and crunch and at the school tuck shop.
“Through creating this garden, our school will pay homage to our Franciscan tradition and response to Pope Francis' letter ‘Laudato Si', to become more integrally aware and connected to all of creation.
“Through this garden we will also celebrate and commit together as we renew our relationship with creation and pray that our garden flourishes for years to come.”