Monday July 19, 2021

From little things big things grow

Schools

What started as a maths assignment for Year 6 students at St John Bosco School has ended up helping an Adelaide Hills landowner to revegetate land razed by the 2020 bushfires.

Monday July 19, 2021

Monday July 19, 2021 Comments

Comments Print article

Children at the Brooklyn Park school were asked to select their own area of interest to explore through infographics as part of their maths class.

Maria, Serena and Elissa researched data on the bushfires around South Australia and the impact they had on animals and their habitat. Shocked by the statistics, they decided to do something to assist the animals and the local community.

Part of the research assignment asked for a call to action from the children, in line with the school’s mantra of ‘Serve the Lord with Joy’ (Psalm 100:2) and make a difference to the world.

After brainstorming many ideas, the students contacted Trees for Life to find out how they could help revegetate an area of land.

With their teacher Nicki Sharrad and groundsman Kosi Skouroumounis, the children attended a workshop at Trees for Life to learn how to propagate native seedlings.

“They were all so excited to learn that they would be growing River Red Gums for an Adelaide Hills landowner to replace trees on the property destroyed by the bushfires,” said Nicki.

Maria, Serena and Elissa joined forces to lead the project for Trees for Life. They received six boxes of potting mix, gravel, fertiliser, 360 tubes and hundreds of River Red Gum seeds.

“The girls invited their peers to become involved with the project and began the time-consuming process of filling the tubes with soil, planting the seeds, covering them in soil and then fine gravel,” Nicki said.

“They watered the seeds and looked after them every day. As day 14 approached, there was a lot of excitement to see the first seedlings pop through.

“Three months later, the seedlings were thinned out, leaving the strongest seedling in each tube. Months of nurture and care resulted in 360 strong River Red Gum seedlings ready to be planted.”

Maria, Serena and Elissa, along with Nicki and Kosi, proudly handed over the strong seedlings to Trees for Life.

Nicki said it was an emotional moment when the students realised the impact their small action would have on the Adelaide Hills landowner.

“The small gesture assisted in revegetating land, creating a habitat for many native animals and a great sense of community spirit,” she said.

“This is truly servant leadership in action!”