Sponsored by Slow Food Saddleback each class adopted and planted a tree as well as a few extras in a windbreak. 

‘‘We are planting a selection of different citrus as they grow so well in this area along with some other interesting varieties such as olives, guava, bananas, Panama berry, finger lime, pomegranate, a dwarf mulberry, Kiwi fruit vines, fig and mango,’’ co-ordinator and parent Penny Sadubin said.

“All these have been chosen to thrive on our sunny, open site and the orchard area has been prepared by parents during a recent workday and manured with fantastic manure from Gerringong dairy cows.” 

 She said the orchard would provide a fantastic new teaching resource. 

“Pupils will be involved in caring for the trees and we look forward to harvest time in the future, when we will have to put our culinary and entrepreneurial skills to the test to make the most of what we produce.” 

Gerringong Public School Year 2 students Marley McLaren, Jasmine McPherson and Savanah Detheridge all agreed that helping plant their class’s new Eureka Lemon was lots of fun.

“By planting your own fruit trees it’s a way of not having to go out and buy it and you can watch it grow and learn about how fruit grows,” they agreed.

Carolyn Evans from Slow Foods Saddleback said her business was delighted to have the opportunity to help children learn about growing their own food.

“We love being involved with the school and give children a valuable lesson in life,” she said.

She said it was important that children lean the difference between fast and slow food from an early age.