Kids back to nature

Kohen from Garfield Primary School with a possum. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 124401_02

By BRIDGET SCOTT

HUNDREDS of schoolchildren across Cardinia got their hands dirty last week in the name of nature.
Schools all the way from Garfield to Upper Beaconsfield and Pakenham celebrated National Tree Day last week and beautified their grounds.
As part of the day, students at Garfield Primary School were introduced to a range of live Bush Baby animals from “Animals on the Move” and heard about the Bunyip State Park from Anthony the park ranger.
Following this, students along with their parents and grandparents planted around 300 plants which included vegie seedlings in the vegetable garden, and roses in the ‘RoseWalk.’
Garfield Primary School students had a day busy with activities which also included ‘Adopt a Tree’, and followed clues in a school-wide ‘Tree-sure’ hunt.
Principal Michael Smith congratulated the school community on coming together on National Tree Day.
“The school grounds looked absolutely fantastic and the kids have thoroughly enjoyed the day,” he said.
Students at the school have studied biodiversity this year as part of their weekly science lessons this term.
Teacher Amanda Parnall highlighted the importance of studying plants and animals in the environment.
“It’s vitally important for children to learn to connect with nature,” she said.
“Their social, emotional, academic and physical development will all be impacted positively as a result of engaging in real learning activities outside in the natural world.”
Upper Beaconsfield Primary School had around 280 students take part in National Tree Planting Day.
Children planted seeds and vegetables to improve the biodiversity of the school grounds. Many of the plants were donated by local businesses and the ‘two million trees’ campaign.