We would like to acknowledge the generosity of the PTA and thank them for supporting our Global Living - Sustainability class to establish a large greenhouse onsite.

The 4.2mt x 2.4mt greenhouse will allow students the opportunity for curriculum learning around seeds, propagation, plants and growing food. It enables a range of learning opportunities throughout the year in a working lab as an extension of the classroom. The greenhouse will allow hands on learning deliberately integrated into the academic structure of the school through Science and Year 12 Global Living.

The Rangi Preschool will also have an area of the greenhouse to grow seeds. By weaving learning across areas, the greenhouse and Rangi vegetable garden will become enmeshed into the everyday life of our school and become a permanent feature, maintained and sustained over time.

The second part of establishing a greenhouse relates to community service and developing partnerships and connections to show care to others. Vegetables grown in the greenhouse and vegetable garden will be donated to our local Merivale branch of Battered Women’s Trust – Women’s Refuge for use in their weekly food packs and at their two safe houses. Vegetables will also be used for our regular staff cooking at the Christchurch City Mission Men’s Shelter and Ronald McDonald House.

There is enormous momentum from students around creating and maintaining sustainable habits. This initiative to set up a greenhouse is student driven. It also links in well with our Rangi Sustainability Philosophy and Enviroschool philosophy. Academic research shows gardening is incredibly beneficial for wellbeing.