Schools Tree Day: Caring for Country

St Patrick’s Primary School in Lochinvar is the envy of many gardeners thanks to the efforts of students.

Schools Tree Day has been marked at the school in the Hunter Valley over the past three years, with students planting and caring for several native gardens.

But the annual tree planting event, part of Planet Ark’s National Tree Day, has a far greater meaning for the school’s Indigenous students.

Aboriginal Education Teacher and IEU member Chris Devorsine said the day, celebrated this year on 25 July, provides students with an opportunity to help combat the impact of climate change.

“If we look after Country, Country looks after us and a simple way to do this is to plant trees and local flora,” he said.

Planting trees provides students with an opportunity to look after the environment in a practical and hands-on manner.

“This also gives them a sense of responsibility, pride in self and re-connection opportunities with aspects of their culture,” Chris said. “Our projects are very visible and for all our school community to enjoy.”

The students’ efforts have led to the creation of a bush tucker garden, native bee garden, native bird garden with nesting boxes and a Remembrance Day garden as well as other beautification projects at the school.

Chris said the tree planting provides learning experiences that align with Catholic social teaching principles.

“Schools Tree Day is about human dignity, allowing us to look after place, culture and people,” he said.

“It is about solidarity, where we as ‘beings’ belonging to the human family can look after our common home and all creatures within.”

“It is about participation in the hope of creating a better world based on climate improvement and survival of all species.”

Chris’ role involves looking after the school’s 74 Indigenous students alongside Aboriginal Education Worker and Dhungatti woman Eliza O’Neil.

Their work includes assisting students in literacy and mathematics and offering support for teachers to embed Aboriginal perspectives in their classroom and curriculum.

“We also offer cultural lessons, driven by rich Indigenous literature and cultural knowledge shared first-hand by Eliza,” he said.

An IEU member since 2006, Chris joined for a sense of security and the provision of a common voice to deal with matters and decisions affecting teachers.

“Over the years, I’ve been happy to have that support and feel that in all cases our concerns are genuinely addressed and negotiated,” he said.