The school is just one of 25 nationally to receive a $1000 grant from Landcare under a scheme that challenges their creativity.

The Yates Junior Landcare Creative Gardening Grants sought to find potential programs Australia-wide that show innovative ways of creating a garden within their school or community.

Grants were awarded to innovative, sustainable and environmentally conscious entries. 

And, so, a number of Young North students are planning to buddy up with residents of Southern Cross Retirement Village and propagate native plants in old, reclaimed washing machine cylinders. 

The children will form friendships and share stories with the residents, beautify the retirement village patio area and learn about sustainability in the process. 

Young North Public School coordinator-teacher Deborah Knappman said the project would benefit the children in a number of ways.

“It will develop both their curriculum knowledge but also their capacity to interact with others and contribute in a productive and caring way within their community,” she said.

Principal Kel Smerdon said this was another great opportunity for the school that had recently received news of a $2400 government sporting grant  also awarded to the school in the past few weeks.