Out at Baldivis is a thriving forest, called the “Children’s Forest.”

It wasn’t always thriving in fact, before it became the flourishing and award winning centre that it is today, the Tuart woodland was threatened by urban development.

However, in 2000 students decided they wanted to save the endangered forest, which is how the “Baldivis Children’s Forest Project” evolved.

Based at Baldivis PS, the Children’s Forest Project is now an environmental study centre, serving more than 20 schools and 2000 students, in 2009 alone.As winners of the Western Australian Landcare Awards in 2009, union members John Worthy (Principal) and Judith Hill (teacher) were invited to Canberra where, with a group of their students, they debated environmental issues with Peter Garret and Minister Julia Gillard (luckily, the kids understand environmental issues and hopefully gave the 2 Ministers some good advice.)

A recent visit to the Forest with some of the Project students, John, Judith and Jo Tregonning (Project Officer) was enlightening and fun, and the kids’ enthusiasm and knowledge was so impressive.

John Worthy explained the history and reasons for success, despite being ‘...devastated by the half-cohort.’

“We are fortunate to have a school with deep concern for the local environment. We want, and challenge others to join us, to do similar and better things.

Mrs Judith Hill, Premier's Teacher of the Year in 2006, is our main inspiration. She continually surprises us with her enthusiasm and energy. She is always on the lookout for new ideas and adventures, to help engage children and their learning through environmental activities.

Of course, one person can only do so much. Mrs Hill is a master at getting others on board whether it be parents, local community organisations, qualified professionals and even the principal.

Jo Tregonning, our Children's Forest Project Officer and Mary Rayner who does much of the secretarial work, are great examples of skilled parent helpers.

I often describe my role as an enabler. I love it when people come up with ideas, no matter how whacky. From these great things can happen.

The school only has five indigenous students of whom three are not Noongar. By working on environmental projects at the school and at our Baldivis Children's Forest with local Noongar elders over a period of years, we have engaged in a range of initiatives.

Many children have been involved. Each year we do something different, something exciting but always building on the knowledge and partnerships from before. We have gone from the ‘show-and-tell activities’ to deep, meaningful and lifelong relationship experiences. It shows a level of maturity that can only be built over time. Our prize at the 2009 PALS award (see: Nov’s WT) is a painting by Noel Morrison. Noel is one of our mentor elders so you can imagine how thrilled we were to get one of his treasured paintings. What makes it even more special is that Noel has personally shared his life story that weaves in the painting. You cannot get that deep from just viewing a painting. We are so fortunate.

It would be easy for us to hang our hat on our environmental programs. These are out there and involve many people. We also have an outstanding Arts program including a fantastic Choir. Mrs Triscari has the children buzzing.

There is also a highly engaging physical activity program, and Technology and Enterprise program, curriculum support program and strong focus on children at educational risk.

The school is not one dimensional. The parents and community have always been supportive, right behind what we do. The staff works exceptionally hard right across the school. It is a busy, active and fun place for children to learn and teachers and staff to teach. We all support and value each other recognising that everyone is important in our school.”

Jo Tregonning talked more about the Indigenous link:

The Baldivis Children's Forest has been lucky enough to partner with teacher Judith Hill and her Baldivis PS students for the past five years as part of PALS’ Aboriginal cultural learning.

Initially, learning about Aboriginal culture was done within Baldivis PS through the creation of a bush tucker garden, trail and study. The PALS projects then expanded to the Forest with the creation of a public Nyoongar trail, garden and artwork.

A large reconciliation breakfast involving many schools and local Aborignal people was also held at the Forest. Last year students began the ambitious collation of Nyoongar stories and mapped a Dreamtime trail through the Rockingham and Kwinana districts, with Elder Theresa Walley.

This work continued with the publication of the trail brochure this year and we hope for the installation of the signage in 2010. These projects have enabled an appreciation and understanding of Nyoongar culture. The projects have had far reaching impacts on promoting reconciliation – touching both local students and the broader public now and in future years.

Baldivis PS is now in the running for the National Landcare Awards, 2010. Good luck to them!

If you are interested in a field trip to the forest, log-on to www.baldivis-childrens-forest.com.au