Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has used Schools Tree Day to promote this year’s Education Week theme, a Year of Learning for Sustainability.
“Schools Tree Day was held in conjunction with Sunday’s (1 August) National Tree Day and together involved an estimated 300,000 volunteers across the country in Australia’s biggest tree planting and nature preservation event,” Mr O’Dea said.
“It is the 15th year National Tree Day has been held, attracting families, businesses, community groups and schools in a common cause to care for Australia’s native wildlife and plants.
“Locals supported this year’s effort to plant a million new native trees and shrubs across Australia by arming themselves with gardening gloves and tools at Allan Small Park, East Killara on Sunday.
“As an encouragement, the Planet Ark / Ku-ring-gai Council event provided a free barbecue lunch for participants,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Last Thursday (29 July), I attended Roseville College, where school students marked Schools Tree Day by spreading mulch around recently planted schoolyard trees.*
“Pinjarra Preschool at Pymble and Kambora Public School at Davidson also held tree planting events on Friday, while Lindfield’s Cromehurst School will participate on 4, 5 and 6 August, coinciding with Education Week.
“Many of the state’s schools will celebrate the theme, Year of Learning for Sustainability by showcasing sustainability in action,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I encourage parents, grandparents and other family members, as well members of the local community to visit a school during Education Week, from 2 to 6 August 2010.
“Many have a range of programs involving their students in a variety activities and I invite residents to contact their local school for the best time to call in.
“A visit during Education Week can provide valuable encouragement to young students, while also allowing the community an opportunity to view current teaching trends and inspect the local learning environment for the next generation,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
