Saturday
24 May 2008

Karitane School

Waikouaiti

Sustainability education is the driving force behind Karitane School’s curriculum. Many initiatives are already in place including a recycling system and organic vegetable garden.

Pupils were involved in the planning and development of the garden and are largely in charge of maintaining it, giving them a real sense of ownership.

The garden acts as a buffer between the traffic and play area, providing shade and wind protection and has improved the water drainage system. It also includes a special sculpture of Oamaru stone and a beach stone from Katiki Beach, a symbol of the school’s connection with the sea. A limestone courtyard is bordered by native trees and includes three totem poles which have been created by the local carvers.