History of the Mooloolah State School Rainforest

1995

Two students from Year 6 are planting a tree on a very steep, dry, barren ledge. For the tree to grow well the 'planters' and 'carers' need to be sure that the tree is well planted, mulched, fertilised and watered.

-Dean & Jesse, Yr 5, 1999

1996....Stage 8

Students plant more trees linking our rainforest project to part of the Mooloolah River which flows past our school.

1997

Looking down on the recently planted stages near the little oval.

1998

Happy Birthday to You! Our rainforest was 10 years old so we had a big birthday party to celebrate. All the students, past and present, parents and teachers helped eat the cake after a special ceremony.

-Kassandra & Tara, Yr 5, 1999

In 1998, when he was eighteen, he returned to his primary school to celebrate the tenth birthday of the rainforest project. This is the moving speech he delivered at the celebration:

Caring for the environment is a thankless job, however it is a rewarding lifestyle.

The rainforest here at the school is an achievement that we can all be proud of, also it is a symbol of what it has given to us. Each and everyone of us now has proof that we can make a difference. The effort must be ongoing and it must be factored into our everyday lives. It is a state of mind rather than something your teacher tells you to do. The benefits for the environment are exponential and hopefully everlasting.

As humans it is relatively easy to do so much good for the environment. But what we must remember is that a couple of bob cats and a few chainsaws could clear this forest in a day. I'm not asking you to grow your hair long, wear tie-dye clothes and live in a tree.

I'm telling you that you can make a difference, that we are fighting an uphill battle and that it only takes a little effort to make that difference. Although this is the tenth stage and we have achieved so much, let this be just the beginning.

Stage 10

Here we see our Principal, Mr. Mal Shepherd (in the hat), Mr Joseph and Darcey Crossman (Year 4) at the opening of Stage 10. This was a very special event because after 10 years it was Mr Shepherd's last involvement with the project, due to his retirement. Channel 7 television covered the event on the evening news.

-Larissa & Casey, Yr 5, 1999

1999

Year 5 students, Rebecca and Hayley, were very busy at the 'working- bee' in early 1999 preparing for a visit by 'Burke's Backyard' (a national gardening magazine and television programme.)

-Kassandra & Tara, Yr 5, 1999

1988 ...... Our Little Garden

1999 ...... Our Growing Rainforest