Simple acts of kindness can reach far and wide in a small community, and Murchison Primary School’s Year 5 and 6 students aim to make a significant impact by supporting families in their school.
Partnering with the Murchison Men’s Shed, the students have embarked on a joint project called the ‘FoodShare Station’, and the collaboration is proving to be an invaluable learning opportunity for both parties.
Murchison Men’s Shed president Dennis McCullagh said the dynamic exchange of ideas and skills between the younger generation and the members of the Men’s Shed had brought the two groups together.
“The kids have done a great job with the design elements for their FoodShare Station,” Mr McCullagh said.
“Surprisingly, we were on very similar pages, and they added some great ideas to what they wanted their station to include or how it could be easier to use.”
He added, with a laugh: “Now we just have to make it for them.”
The concept of the FoodShare Station originated during a school council meeting, suggested by a parent who valued hands-on learning experiences.
Upon hearing the idea, the students enthusiastically embraced it, swiftly contributing ideas about which fruits and vegetables grown on the school grounds could be shared.
They also proposed allowing other families to donate, swap or take what they needed from the station.
The students collaborated to brainstorm and sketch the design, incorporating elements such as shade, separate sections, safety features, signage and aesthetic considerations.
Once finished, they visited the Men’s Shed to present their ideas and share lunch together.
“What a fantastic initiative to support fellow schoolmates and families. We were delighted to assist, discuss their design, enjoy lunch, and show them what we do here too,” Mr McCullagh said.
“We are hoping they may come back over at some stage to help with some of the building aspects, and it would be great to show them maybe a bit of woodworking at the same time.
“It’s also nice to show them there is more to life than just school and that other people are thinking about them.”
As the session concluded, the Men’s Shed members enjoyed a lunch that evoked fond memories.
Opening their brown paper bags, they found Vegemite and cheese sandwiches, tiny teddy bear biscuits and fresh fruit, bringing smiles to many faces.
“There’s nothing like going back in time and having school lunch from a brown paper bag,” Mr McCullagh said.
“It was just something a bit special I wanted to do for the other members, and I’m sure it’s brought back a few memories for them.
“It’s been a really great day and I think enjoyed by all.
“Hopefully, by the end of May, we will have finished the school project, and we can chat about the next project they have already mentioned to us — the chicken coop.
“They will need a place to put all their food scraps — stay tuned.”