It takes a village to raise a child, and at Muswellbrook South Public School they are proud to have a strong and supportive network to keep their Green Team building from strength to strength.
Over the past four years what was once a disused corner of the top oval has become a haven for all kinds of students who are eager to get involved.
Recently they were able to do some additional upgrades thanks to Glencore as well as the Parents and Community Association.
“We put in a fenced area so chickens and children can come out and engage and really enjoy a space and know that we are all secure,” Tara Jeans, Green Team co-ordinator, said.
“Now we can use this space all year round and have access all year round, which is a huge improvement to what we’ve had in the past.”
Tracey Sneddon, Glencore’s community engagement coordinator, really enjoyed getting out of the office to see the work they have helped make happen first-hand.
“It makes me feel like a kid again, I love it,” she said of getting to have a stroll around in the chook pen and gardens with the kids.
“It’s just brilliant, the smiling faces and the difference that it’s making to these children to have this facility, it can be life changing.”
Glencore are strong supporters of P&C Associations to help make so many amazing opportunities come to life for the students within schools.
Current president of Muswellbrook South’s P&C is Chris Hope, who has had her kids and now grandkids attend the school.
“Some children struggle with learning and to come out and to pat the chook when they’re feeling frustrated or sit and talk to the chook when they’re feeling frustrated, and the chook seems to listen to them, the children respond so well to it, it’s beautiful,” she said of the facilities.
“It’s a full on, hands on, green space and the children are very involved in it. I love to come up here, sometimes I’ll come early in the morning and see Tara and all the kids here, we’re so lucky.”
