Narrabri High School outdoor learning space unveiled

Narrabri High School has celebrated the official unveiling of its outdoor learning space and garden project.

Guests enjoyed an evening of warm hospitality on Friday evening, thanks to the school’s staff and students.

Creativity was on show through artwork on display, musical items as well as through the canapés prepared by students.

Representatives of business and industry were also invited for their contributions to the project.

The new precinct includes garden beds, an outdoor classroom and kitchen and a stage for music and drama performances. Relieving principal Simon Warden thanked the community for its support.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people here tonight,” he said.

Tori Gibbs provided the welcome to country before Mr Warden continued with the formalities.

Santos was thanked for its contribution of a shelter while Whitehaven Coal provided an outdoor kitchen.

Mr Warden praised the generosity of local businesses and organisations in supporting the project.

The many staff and students who contributed to the project and the evening were also thanked.

Rod Ritchie, Ben Stanford and the music students were thanked for facilitating the music component of the celebration evening.

Allison Tomlinson and Sarah Wallace were praised for the quality of produce from the garden.

Katie Fisher for the coordination of the art component of the evening through the students’ brilliant works on display.

Steve Duncan for his work in getting the structures up for the project.

Cathy Bailey, Sarah Wallace and the hospitality students for ensuring opening night-goers were able to enjoy delicious food.

High school public relations and community liaison officer David Pierce was also thanked for his work behind the scenes.

Santos executive vice president Eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea, Brett Darley, said the company was proud to contribute funding towards the project.

“We’ve been working in partnership with local communities for more than 70 years here in Australia and are passionate about creating a positive legacy in the communities that support us,” Mr Darley said.

“A high-school learning space like this will be an incredible opportunity for students to see for themselves how gardens grow and develop – and the long-term benefits they bring.

“It’s not just about planting a seed and watching it grow, this is an opportunity to learn about horticulture, sustainability and the environment – the opportunities are endless in terms of inspiring the minds of the next generation in this community.

“The advantage of having a dedicated team on the ground in Narrabri is that we can identify areas where we can help make a difference.

Enhancing the learning environment at the local high school is something that will have long-lasting benefits to this community for years to come,” Mr Darley said.

Mr Pierce said the garden and outdoor learning space will support students studying food, agriculture and science by providing hands-on experience around sustainable living, healthy eating, wellbeing and environmental conservation.

“Our music and drama students are really looking forward to utilising this space. Already, we’ve established a Garden Club where students have planted a range of flowers, vegetables and fruits that our hospitality students are already using,” Mr Pierce said.