By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville Primary School and Yarra Glen Primary School recently received a present from Treasuring Our Trees (TOT).
TOT has been building school and community projects by repurposing fallen logwood since the 2021 storm and constructed a new yarning circle for the two schools.
TOT founder David Ferrier said his projects are not only about caring for the local trees but also about caring for the community.
“Our underlying message was to educate the children about sustainability,” he said.
“By creating these yarning circles, there’s also a connection to First Nations education.
“What was very important to us was that we just didn’t select the big schools but also selected some medium and small schools because what we learnt was a lot of small schools struggle with fundraisers for projects like this.”
The yarning circle was delivered on the last day of Term 2 for both schools.
Healesville Primary School principal Tracey Robertson-Smith said everyone in the school community loves the new yarning space.
“The benches have been constructed beautifully,” she said.
“We have explained to the students at our assembly where they came from and the history of the program.”
Phoebe and Dom, school captains of Healesville Primary School, couldn’t hide their excitement when they saw the new space.
They said everyone would love it.
“This is very unique and thank you for putting in so much effort for us,” Dom said.
“It’s a good cause to help the community feel better from the trauma of what happened,” Phoebe said.
Ms Robertonson-Smith said the yarning circle would have a multitude of uses.
“It is a place where our students can hang out and chat,” she said.
“Our teachers and their classes will use it, and it will also be used in our cultural education sessions.
“I am also sure some of our students will like to play here as well.”
Mr Ferrier was invited to present about TOT’s project at Yarra Glen Primary School’s assembly on Friday 19 July.
Yarra Glen Primary School principal Jeff de Villa said his students have been enjoying using the new yarning circle.
“Students admire the artwork,” he said.
“They are using it to meet friends, build friendship and connections as a class, and as a calming zone.”
TOT has donated the yarning circle to about 12 schools across the Yarra Ranges thanks to support from the Victorian Government and Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino.
Mr Ferrier said he’s gotten good feedback from teachers and families.
“It gives everyone a lift and inspires the children through all these levels of education,” he said.
“A lot of people are really inspired by our community projects of recycling and repurposing our beloved trees.
“We give them a second life.”
