Backyard Blitz at Mount Osmond

Students from Glenunga International High School (GIHS) conducted a backyard blitz for a resident at Mount Osmond recently.

Each year a group of students from GIHS gives their time and efforts to clean up a yard as part of a year-long program. COVID delayed last year’s event but this year it was back to business as usual.

Student Wellbeing Leader Andrei Leucuta says the blitz is part of a mentoring program to help students build connections with trusted adults. “We identify appropriate students and match them up with a trusted adult at the school,” he says. “They catch up fortnightly, have a chat, discuss issues and build on their relationship.”

“They also go on three to four outings each year with elements of service, challenge and reflection.”

Andrei says participating in the well-established youth program Operations Flinders presents challenge and time for reflection. “We also do a Mount Lofty hike,” he says. “For some students that is a real challenge.”

The Backyard Blitz is part of the service element. “We used to visit nursing homes and interact with the residents but COVID put an end to that,” Andrei says. “The Backyard Blitz is a safe way for the students to provide a service.” Andrei works with Council each year to identify a ratepayer who is having difficulty maintaining their garden. It is usually an older resident who uses some of Council’s Home Support Services.

The students and adults then work on clearing scrub, chopping wood, weeding and whatever maintenance is required.

Adrienne Burns, a Home Support Program client, was identified as needing help to clear her large property at Mount Osmond. “I couldn’t believe how well the students cleared the garden,” she says. “I was thrilled – the students were wonderful and the property looks amazing.”

Pic: GIHS students clear Adrienne’s property.