On Thursday 24 February we held our QAHS Community Garden Planting Day. One of the most popular groups on the CAS calendar the group filled fast for Semester 1. Students were placed into groups and assigned a garden bed to plan out and tend to for the Semester. Before planting day, students researched the planting zones and seasons as to what would grow best this season, we were lucky to have the planting done before the weather event.
Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate a multitude of positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, creativity and can facilitate concentration. A big thank you to Grace the Activities Co-ordinator at Bunnings Southport, who supplied us with all of the soil, seeds, seedlings, and gloves to enable our seasonal planting. 
QAHS Community Garden Group Reflection
The gardening team was tasked with planting their chosen vegetables and flowers provided generously by Bunnings Southport. The experience was truly enjoyable, with everyone forfeiting the shovel and going ‘hands-on’. What made this experience memorable for me was the heated discussions our team had when deciding on the placement for each flower and vegetable, where we eventually came to a happy agreement. Being a ‘veteran’ and having participated in this activity for the past year, I have witnessed the labours and joy in planting and maintaining our vegetation, as well as seeing this hard work being paid off with pleasing results. All in all, community gardening has made me appreciate the little things in life, and the development of my teamwork, and communication skills are definitely the fruits of labour from this rewarding experience. And of course, a huge thank you goes out to Bunnings Southport for supporting the community and helping us create new memories and experiences!"
Kaiser Lau
Year 12 Student
Despite all the bad weather that we've been experiencing recently, we were lucky enough to have clearer skies during the process of planting. As a group this change in weather made me look forward to the process of sprouting and growth of seedlings in the future.
Caroline Zhang
Year 12 Student
Sarah Stevens
Community Garden Supervisor