At St Joseph’s, we believe that nature is one of our best teachers! Our school is proud to offer a special Therapeutic Gardening Program, guided by the expert ethics and standards of the Horticultural Therapy Association of Victoria.
What is Gardening Therapy?
This program is a dedicated “adjustment program” designed to support students in a calm, hands-on environment. Every week, participating students head out to our beautiful gardens to work alongside our caring staff.
Through digging, planting, and nurturing our school grounds, students focus on:
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Building Confidence: Feeling proud as they watch their hard work grow.
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Learning New Skills: Discovering the “how-to” of gardening and nature care.
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Wellbeing: Spending peaceful time outdoors to recharge.
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Personal Growth: Working toward social, emotional, and classroom learning goals in a relaxed setting.
A Long Tradition of Green Fingers
Sustainability and permaculture (working with nature) have always been at the very heart of life here at St Joseph’s. While all of our students enjoy our green spaces as part of their regular curriculum, this therapeutic program provides extra, tailored support for those who need it most.
It’s just one of the ways we ensure every child at St Joseph’s has the opportunity to bloom!