By Jessica Anstice
Students and teachers at Hillcrest Christian College in Clyde North welcomed five lambs, including a set of triplets and a pair of twins on Sunday, 19 August.
The college’s agricultural and horticultural students have been busy especially during lunchtimes caring for the new babies.
“The animals are a great connection for our (mostly) city kids back to the farm,” Hillcrest Christian College staff member Stuart Alsop said.
“They get to have some real life experiences that increase their understanding of where their food comes from (though we don’t eat the animals).
“The ewes birthing has been a very exciting time for the students. Some were fortunate to see them giving birth and that’s something that won’t normally see during a school day.”
Mr Alsop said lots of students have little connection with nature and the cycle of life, so it’s pretty special.
“For some students, who don’t have a pet at home, the sheep become a pet and they check-in with them to see how they are travelling.
“It’s a bit of school-based pets-as-therapy, so to speak.”
The process in which the students care for the animals involves a roster, created by their teacher. The students have to check their feed and water. Depending on the how much feed is available, and its quality, the students may have to give the animals some extra supplementary feed too.
The students also collect eggs. Hillcrest Christian College has sold the eggs in the past and donated the money raised to the charity, TEAR. The college aim to start that program again in the near future.
“Depending on the time of year, type of animal, and year level, students may get to see how animals grow and develop,” Mr Alsop said.
“Another benefit is that having animals at school provides an opportunity for students to be more engaged and connected with their learning.”
Each year the college run the Cows Creates Careers program. It is a brilliant experience for students, as they have to be responsible for the daily feeding and care of some dairy calves, over a three-week period.
