YOUNG Mount Gambier students have branched out of their traditional classroom setting to contribute to a prominent Limestone Coast industry.
Through hands-on practices and classroom learning, Tenison Woods College students have explored the role forestry has played in the Green Triangle region over the past 150 years.
Working with OneFortyOne Plantations, over 100 Year 3 to 7 students visited a planting site on Friday to get their hands dirty and make a difference for National Schools Tree Day.
Planting dozens of pine seedlings and native shrubs, college sustainability coordinator Tom Linnell said the day allowed students to understand the region’s history.
“Our partnerships with Noel Barr Toyota and OneFortyOne Plantations allowed students to understand how we are a gigantic timber producer which has influenced many generations,” Mr Linnell said.
“The day was also a way for students to positively engage in conversation about ecosystem importance.
“It was also about creating connections with the industry, what jobs it provides and how its significance has developed over the many decades since establishment.”
Mr Linnell said the college looked for opportunities to connect classroom learning with external experiences.
“It has been a real key driver of the program we have recently formed,” Mr Linnell said.
“You can only learn so much confined inside four walls.
“Clever learning is about looking beyond the class and using our natural resources as a learning tool and the tree planting process was just one example of that.”
The program coordinator said students embraced the initiative and looked forward to the activity.
“Although we could only bring around 150 students with us we would love to continue developing and growing this project each year.
“We were blown away by the parents and carers’ support and how willing they were to encourage children to participate.”
