Despite the cold winds of Saturday, 19 September, 23 students, staff and Howick Pest Free came together to plant native trees and shrubs on the hillside between the staff and student car parks at the school’s entrance. Their efforts are creating a greener future by enhancing the landscape, establishing habitats for native birds and insects, improving drainage, reducing traffic noise over time, and demonstrating the importance of giving back to our environment and school community.
To commence, Jas Lopez bought us all together with a prayer she had written for Papatuanuku.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for gathering us here today to protect your gift of the environment.
Please bless us and the land we work on. Keep us safe and away from any troubles.
May the work we do today help your earth grow in the future.
Amen.
Students from Years 7 to 13 enjoyed a hands-on day of environmental action, beginning with a visit from Peter of Howick Pest Free, who has supplied the school with native plants for the past two years. After learning about the importance of native planting, students paired up to dig and plant before tackling pest weeds in the school’s two rain gardens. It was fantastic to see students building new friendships, working together, and taking such pride and enthusiasm in caring for their environment.
Thank you to all the students who generously gave their time to help make our school a better environment for all.
