Autumn Native Tree Planting in Christchurch Catholic Schools
In March 2024, the Laudato Si' Action Group applied for charity trees from Trees for Canterbury for autumn planting. The aim of this initiative is to regenerate native bush areas and teach our children the value of our native flora and fauna. Laudato Si' is Pope Francis' encyclical letter on ecology and climate, and is our inspiration for this project.
Six of our schools applied for, and were gifted, over 600 trees from Trees for Canterbury. These small taonga are a symbol of creation and joy. The ambience of native bush areas around our schools encourages our children to take care of our common home. The trees were especially chosen for the climate of specific areas.
Ryan McInnes is DRS for Christ the King School in Burnside. He said, "Thanks again for the opportunity to be involved in this. We received 106 trees which
was amazing, and the Special Character Service Group planted them all in the last week of Term 1. We have been watering them regularly and they are looking very healthy. The same team is now weeding gardens on a weekly basis and watering when needed."
