Rye Primary Bike Maintenance Program

The program run by Jim Rennie in 2023, with the help of Mark Ferguson & Alan Seward, at Rye Primary School, and funded through a generous grant from the Shire, ended on a high note. Students rode their well-maintained and repaired bikes with gleeful enthusiasm in the school playground. All agreed that they had thoroughly enjoyed working with the instructors, saying that they had learned a great deal of practical value.

One of the students, who did not possess a bike, was gifted one of the 4 bikes built during the program and the other 3 bikes will be donated to a charity organisation. 

There was very pleasing feedback from both the School Principal and the Assistant Principal. They especially praised the way in which the program positively engaged those students disengaged in usual, routine classroom programs. They were voluble in their praise of Jim, Mark & Alan & their commitment, stating that their contribution is highly valued.

The school was very keen for the program to continue in 2024 and again will be funded through a generous grant from the Shire.

Buddy Benches in Sorrento

The staff at St Joseph’s Sorrento asked if we could design/build a “Buddy Bench” to replace an old worn-out seat.

Well, they now have 5 benches around the main playground. Painted white initially, they are now decorated by staff and students.

The project quickly extended to provide benches at Sorrento Primary and the Sorrento PreSchool. Again the benches will be decorated by the kids.

We love our local schools that share ideas like this. It keeps the Shed members busy!!

Wicking Boxes

In 2019, the Shed was asked if we could make boxes for St Joseph’s Sorrento. We duly obliged and happily constructed 2 units.

It wasn’t long before additional units appeared at the Sorrento PreSchool.

Always good to visit the schools and see the boxes fully planted and producing vegetables for the kids to take home (or enjoy during class time!!

New Look at St Joseph’s Sorrento

The Shed was asked if they could help with cutting out some shapes of local bird life. The school would add the final sketches and the colour.

Piano Men

It’s not all serious projects we handle - like creating “piano men” from scrap timber and parts from a dismantled piano. It tested the imagination of teachers, Shed members and kids in a fun classroom.

They became a display at the SJS Art Presentation

Bird Box Assembly at St Joseph’s

Great to have David and Gilly there to guide the kids in putting some kits together, that they had designed and created. 10 bird boxes soon to go the Whitecliffs foreshore.

Intergenerational Craft

The members have been helping out at both Sorrento Primary and St Joseph’s Sorrento.

A number of simple craft exercises provided equipment for the classroom and school kids workshops.

I think both members and kids enjoyed the experience.

PreSchool Updates

The guys were asked to help refresh parts of the playground. A new path, some well-placed timber edging, and a change to the building entrance.

Buddy Benches at Tootgarook Primary

We responded to a call to help kickstart a garden area development with some benches. We had the design and soon 2 new benches installed

Outdoor Learning Tables at Sorrento Primary School

As part of the “Biodiversity and Outdoor Learning” area development at SPS, we responded to a request to design and build an “outdoor learning table” for the SPS, and help take lessons into the revamped gardens at the school. Already looking good on site.

A 2nd table will be built and funded through a Mornington Peninsula Shire grant.

Supporting Years 5 & 6 finish off their Billy Karts at St Joseph’s

A fun project in 2024. The kids did all the work, we just had to help where we could!!