Objects of Substance- Commemorative Tree Grove

Trees have been a feature of the School from its inception and 21 st century students should not forget that the shade and beauty of the trees on the all three campuses are gifts from previous generations of Grammar girls, parents, and staff who well understood that a School is not solely utilitarian - like the one describ ed by Mr Gradgrind in Charles Dickens’ Hard Times . It must nourish the soul and the imagination in the way that the educational environment is softened and nurtured by gardens and greenery.

The original sign is a little weathered, but the trees have certainly flourished.

Today the Fathers’ Group timber plantation graces that once -bare hillside offering soil stability, security for native animals, and shade for the alpacas. The commemorative booklet illustrated at the opening of this article meticulously catalogues the hundreds of trees so thoughtfully sourced and planted, watered and cultivated, watched and enjoyed for more than twenty years. I wonder how many of those who planted on that day in 2000 have returned, or want to return, to see how their seedling has fared.

Kristine Cooke (Harvey 1967) English teacher ( Grevillea robusta ; row 19, grid reference J)