At the end of last term, our school proudly hosted the Farm to Fork Faire—a vibrant celebration that marked a semester-long STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning journey. This special event brought together students, families, and community members to showcase the incredible work and discoveries made by students throughout the term.
The Faire featured The Mountain Museum, where students showcased their STEAM projects, and The Mountain Feast — a student-led restaurant experience for families and guests. Students managed every aspect of the Feast, from designing recipes to cooking and serving, allowing them to apply their learning in practical, real-world contexts while developing teamwork and hospitality skills.
A particularly inspiring aspect of our project was the connection with local farms, which enriched students’ understanding of food production and sustainability. These visits included Family Fresh Farms and Barden Farms, both at Peats Ridge, where students learned how Quke cucumbers, Asian vegetables, and herbs are grown and distributed nation-wide. We also welcomed Farmer Karen from Kantandra Farms to our school, where she explained the chicken farming process. Local Country Women’s Association volunteers shared cooking tips and lessons, and generous donations of fresh produce from the farms and fresh juice from East Coast Beverages ensured that the dishes served were not only delicious but celebrated the best of our regional harvest.
This collaborative project highlights the invaluable role that partnerships with local industry play in making STEAM education meaningful and relevant. By linking classroom learning with real-world experiences, we give students the opportunity to see the impact of their studies beyond the school gates, inspiring the next generation of innovators, farmers, chefs, and community leaders.
If you have connections to local industry of any kind and are interested in partnering with our school in the future, please get in touch. We’d love to learn with you and continue making education engaging and meaningful for our students.
Amy Ball, Principal
Central Mangrove Public School, Ph: 4373 1156
