MALLALA Primary School students travelled to Port Parham on Monday to participate in tree planting to support the conversation of coastal areas.
Through a grant obtained from Conservation SA and with the support from NRMA (Natural Resources and Mount Lofty Ranges) and Adelaide Plains Council, students were able to link this community project with their environmental programs.
Mallala Primary School principal Sharon Okmasich said the school has had a push to develop a sense of giving back to the community this year.
“The two classes that were involved have a strong environmental focus,” she said.
“They already are engaged in kitchen garden programs and recycling programs.
“It is really about supporting our local community.
“We wanted to get the kids to know it is a positive thing to be able to volunteer.
“It is also important because our younger generation are more environmentally aware than what we once were.
“We want to foster this in our students.”
Adelaide Plains conservation officer Warrick Barnes said the project is important for both the natural environment and the Parham community.
“We all have a role in making our community great,” he said.
“These sorts of activities really do help in bringing our community together and make our place great to live.”
Mallala Primary School year 4/5 teacher Leah Tynan said the classes each work weekly with junior classes on the Kitchen Garden programme.
“We have cooking classes every week and utilize the produce that we grow,” she said.
“We also have free range chickens and the students are able to feed them and collect the eggs.
“The students also have ongoing participation in environmental and outdoor learning activities, including world environment day and
outdoor learning day.
“I think it was great for the students to get involved with the tree planting because it gives them something to be proud of.”