Tatura Primary School Year 5/6 students are making a positive impact through the school's Community Spirit program, helping care for local parks and public spaces while developing leadership, teamwork and community pride.
Tatura Primary School students are learning all about what it takes to be a member of the community with a new program initiative that is not only having a positive impact on students, but also the wider community.
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The Year 5/6 program called Community Spirit, provides students with authentic opportunities to make a positive contribution to their community.
Established this year by the school’s Year 5/6 team, the program aims to develop leadership, citizenship, responsibility and pride for their town.
Year 5/6 teacher and team leader Lauren Wangeman said in its inaugural year, they were continuing to build ideas and establish community partnerships.
“We have been working closely with Greater Shepparton City Council, who have generously supplied equipment including graffiti removal kits, rubbish bags and litter collection tools,” she said.
“So far, students have participated in a range of projects aimed at improving the local environment and supporting community wellbeing.”
Activities have included collecting rubbish at Cussen Park and Lake Bartlett, removing graffiti from the skate park and Mactier Park, maintaining public spaces and identifying ways students can contribute positively to the community.
Students have also designed artwork for thank-you cards and assisted residents at Moyola with posters and lapel decorations for ANZAC Day commemorations.
“Looking ahead, we hope to plant native trees and shrubs around the school and Lake Bartlett,” Lauren said.
“Through Community Spirit, students are encouraged to look beyond the school gates and recognise that they have the ability to make a meaningful difference through service and teamwork.”
Most recently, the program has established a partnership with Tatura Community House, founded on shared values of community connection and youth engagement.
Together, they are identifying projects and opportunities that allow students to contribute in practical and visible ways.
One exciting collaboration is the development of a gallery exhibition featuring poetry written, presented and performed by the students.
Staff and students have been actively involved in the preparation, with the exhibition scheduled for the grand opening on Wednesday, July 29 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm, and will run until September 16.
“We have been thrilled by the enthusiasm shown by both students and the broader community,” she said.
“The benefits for students have been significant, with many developing leadership skills, teamwork, empathy and a strong sense of civic pride.
“They are learning that positive change begins with small actions and that everyone has something valuable to contribute.”
The initiative has been supported by staff across the school, whose efforts have helped ensure Community Spirit runs effectively each week.
Lauren said seeing students take ownership of projects and develop pride in their community has been incredibly rewarding.
“Community Spirit gives our students authentic opportunities to be active participants and take pride in the place they call home,” she said.
“It has been wonderful to see them realise that even small acts of service can make a lasting difference and help strengthen our community.”
