COLEDALE Public School’s Living Classroom was officially opened yesterday by Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.

The Living Classroom is an environmental education program where students are encouraged to grow a range of plants using permaculture principals to create an outdoor learning area.

The goals of the program are to teach students about the environment, how to care for, and protect, their environment, and to understand the principals of ecologically sustainable development.

Supported by the Illawarra Biodiversity and Local Food Strategy for Climate Change, this program is a partnership between Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama Councils. It’s made possible with assistance from the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust.

“This is such a great initiative,” Lord Mayor Bradbery said.

“While it’s essential students are taught to read and write, education isn’t just what happens in a classroom. These students are learning the whole time they’re out in this Living Classroom. Whether they’re digging in the garden, planting vegetable seedlings or tasting school-grown fruit, they’re taking in vital life skills and are learning about how to look after themselves, and their environment.”

Coledale Public School’s Living Classroom is the third in the Illawarra. Mt Terry and Kiama Public Schools have also launched their gardens.