The rain was well set in and as we were unable to get out into the garden as planned, we planted trees with poems instead. Mount Annan Botanical Gardens is offering to plant a tree for every poem that celebrates relationship with nature. We sang, moved the Cassini Curve (like the yin/yang) as a symbol of balance, and wrote beautiful poetry in Primary and High School. Here are a few examples:
Class 1 drew a picture for their forest poem and wrote:
“Trees grow strong
Trees make homes for possums”
Drawing by Aliyah, Class 1
The following poems are by Class 2-3:
The Tree
A curtain of vines twist and turn
Moss crawls up bumpy, old trees.
Trees are like people.
They’re all different.
Their roots twirl up and down,
Like snakes slithering home.
They rise majestically above my head
Like giants
Looking after everything.
Ali, Year 5
Whistle Bird
Dear Whistle Bird
As you fly
What does it feel like?
I could only imagine
All the freedom in the world
All the happiness in the world.
Coren, Year 6
Birds
Have you ever noticed how when a bird opens its wings
It seems to open its mind to the idea of flight.
As it falls it flaps its wings and then rises into the air
Again and again.
Or how the edge of a cliff seems like the edge of our world
We change our ways around the cliff because
We cannot remove it,
Ever standing and immovable.
Ziggy, Year 7
Have you Noticed?
Have you noticed,
The glittering dew in the morning sun?
Or the cool breeze on your face?
Have you noticed,
The tall trees casting shade?
Or the river as it winds across the earth?
Have you noticed,
How the planet is a mother,
Protecting us,
Even if we cause her pain.
Have you noticed,
How we take the beauty around us for granted,
Even as it disappears?
Have you noticed,
We could make the leaves greener,
The air cleaner,
The water clearer?
Have you noticed…
Our Mother needs us?
Tara, Year 9
Originally a high school teacher in the public system, Lynn has also taught at TAFE and in community settings. In the Steiner context, she has previously been a kindergarten and primary school teacher. In addition to her roles as Chair and Principal, Lynn is High School Co-Ordinator, teaches Geography and History, and co-ordinates the Outdoor Education Programme. Lynn has a B. Arts (UWA) and a Dip. Ed. (WA Secondary Teachers College).
