Published on: 13 September 2018





Every year, our Parents’ Association enables Christ Church staff and students to undertake new initiatives and opportunities through its Development Grants program. Last week, two events took place in the Preparatory School thanks to the support of these grants.

“Our boys in Pre-Primary had plenty of fun participating in various woodwork activities together with their dads as a special post-Father’s Day bonding,” says Years 1 and 2 Co-ordinator, Mrs Rachael Durston.

“Greg Miller, owner of The Joy of Wood, facilitated a number of sessions across two days where boys in Years 1, 2 and 4 also participated. Greg’s passion for wood and working with people clearly showed in the way he actively engaged all participants throughout the sessions.”

“In other activities, we offered professional learning to teaching staff through internationally renowned Nature Pedagogist, Claire Warden. Claire presented on the topic of Developing the Capacities of Learning with Nature and explored engaging children in authentic real-world learning and methods to create high quality, effective programs which embed nature-based learning in schools.”

“All grants through the Parents’ Association undergo a review by the Grants Committee comprising of members from the School’s executive, each critiqued on whether the proposition is new and innovative, aligned to the School’s Vision and Strategic Plan, and whether it is of benefit to a wide cross-section of students.”

“In the case of the woodwork session, it was about assisting children to develop hand-to-eye coordination, manual skills, self-confidence, expression for natural creativity and problem-solving skills, among other benefits.”

On behalf of the Preparatory School, thank you to our Parents’ Association for making both recent activities possible.