Planting trees for the jubilee

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Current and former families, as well as members of the parish community, came together at St Roch’s School, Glen Iris.18 October 2022

Current and former families, as well as members of the parish community, came together at St Roch’s School, Glen Iris, for a royal-themed afternoon tea to officially open and bless the school’s new outdoor classroom.

Parents Julie and Louisa were responsible for the development of much of the outdoor classroom, including successfully applying for grants to cover the costs of construction, planting, a large shade sail and educational equipment for the students. ‘Their combined vision for writing and applying for grants, and designing the outdoor learning space has come to fruition’, said Principal Angie Mastoras.

Recent years have shown schools the need to be more flexible, and the grants secured by Julie and Louisa have long-lasting benefits for the school community. ‘As a result of the last two years, we must be responsive to change and provide alternative learning environments that are safe, educational and allow our students to flourish’, said Angie. ‘This beautiful outdoor classroom will provide our school with a space to grow as our students grow.’

The school community was joined by government representatives, including federal Member for Higgins, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, and state Member for Malvern, the Hon Michael O’Brien. Dr Ananda-Rajah cut the ribbon alongside student representatives to officially launch the new learning space. The tree planting to commemorate the platinum jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was supported by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) through funding from the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program.

The classroom features a retaining wall, flexible seating and working options, native planting to attract local insects and wildlife, as well as technology to observe wildlife visitors and a weather station. Congratulations to Julie and Louisa for their tenacity and determination in successfully applying for grants to support the classroom.