This year’s Schools Tree Day competition focused on how storytelling can inspire others to get out into nature. We asked teachers, from early learning, primary and high school, to share their students love of nature.

The winners for this year:

Overall winner: "Greenie" by Prairievale Public School

This is 'Greenie' she was planted 24 years ago by the teacher in the photo, Miss Alderson. The students love Greenie.

Secondary school winner: "Digging a hole (not for coal)" by Fort Street High School’s Environmental Committee

Fort street has long struggled with the water-logging qualities of the school oval, sustained by the dipping elevation, compressed soils with high clay content, and a lack of deep-rooted native vegetation. We should follow in the footsteps of rural NSW farmers such as Ian Cooley, and plant native vegetation such as saline-soil resistant casuarina trees, to absorb excess water, lowering the water table. Our image is one of success. A celebration of nature. Knowing that the oval is on its way to never again be bogged again.

Primary school winner: "From Little Things Big things Grow" by Magnetic Island State School

We are sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

Early learning winner: "Apple Tree From Seeds" by Kingston Early Learning Centre

At our centre we have been learning about the growth of trees. We have started these apple trees from seeds from an apple we had one morning for morning tea. The children water and nurture these apple seeds that then grew into little plants. Then they planted them in our play ground to watch grow.

Save the date for Schools Tree Day next year!

Friday 26th July, 2019