28/04/2008 - Parks Alive: Getting Environmental

James Sheahan Catholic High School - Adopt A School Project

Project coordinated by Kaye Heron.

During Term Two 2008 a group of Year 10 students took part in an environmental project which involved planting 150 trees on the school farm. Students worked with the Community Environmental Engagement Project Officer, Paul McIlwraith, who organised the trees and equipment, and a volunteer from Conservation Volunteers Australia. The project was an initiative of Orange City Council.

In order to incorporate Careers Education into the project, I advertised for a journalist and a photographer, and students to be on a mock interviewing panel with me to decide on the these positions.

The role of the journalist was to report for the weekly Semper Paratus which is circulated to students and parents, and to interview the Conservation Volunteers Australia Coordinator about this work. A report will also be written as part of the Careers section of the 2008 Yearbook.

The photographer took many photos, some of which you will see below.

The students who were on the interviewing panels were briefed in interviewing protocol, and collaborated with me on possible questions and how we would record information to make a decision. The students involved had never been through a proper interview before and found the exercise a new and worthwhile learning experience. They were confident in their questioning and insightful in their comments.

It was decided to 'celebrate' the work of the project with the personnel from CVA and Orange City Council at a sausage sizzle. I therefore also interviewed for Events Personnel to organise the sizzle - again a worthwhile exercise for students from both the interviewing and the event planning aspects.

I have enjoyed working with the students, Council and CVA staff on this project and once the eucalypts and under storey of wattles, tea trees and bottlebrushes mature they should provide an attractive and eco-friendly environment at the farm.

Student comments:

"Classes from Year 10 have participated in planting 200 trees and shrubs at the school agricultural farm. In this experience we revisited the techniques of tree planting learned on our Geography Excursion, and once again became involved in replenishing the environment. I believe it was a good learning experience." Emma

"Tree planting was a great experience for the students who participated. We planted different species of trees and shrubs in rows along the fence line of the school farm. We believe this was a good activity - especially to get our of school work!" Cameron and James.

"Tree planting was good and enjoyable because we were helping the environment and we worked together with our friends to improve the school." Jack