Our Year 5 students actively participated in the Cooling The Schools program, an initiative that we successfully applied for that is run by Greening Australia. The program aims to combat the urban heat island effect by enhancing green spaces in schools. It focuses on planting native vegetation to cool down school environments, improve air quality, and create engaging outdoor learning spaces for students.
5G and 5B students, teachers, and parent helpers planted more than 200 native trees and shrubs along the car park fence, mini field fence boundary, and beside the entrance pathway to the school. The project included planting various sizes of greenery, with the larger trees requiring a coordinated effort from a team of six students. These dedicated teams worked together not only to plant the trees but also to construct small dams around the base of each tree to help retain water and support their growth.
As the planting phase concludes, the responsibility now shifts to all students to care for their new green spaces. They will be tasked with watering, mulching, and monitoring the health of the plants, ensuring that their efforts continue to benefit the school community for many years to come. This hands-on involvement not only enhances the school’s environment but also instills a sense of pride and environmental stewardship in our young learners, fostering a lasting commitment to sustainability.
Nathan Quan
