Tree Planting Week & Sallyglen Hedgerow Planting
This week every child in the school planted a native tree into the new hedgerow. They also used their student voice to make a wish for Sallyglen and hung it on our wishing tree. Their hopes were beautiful and full of imagination:
“Birds will feast on the trees”
“We can have forest school here”
“I wish there will be lots of berries”
“Loads and loads of ants to come”
“I hope our trees grow big and strong”
Some children even gave their trees names!
These trees will grow with our children and be there for the generations of children who come after. This will be our children’s legacy. These trees will help to maintain their connection to nature and our wonderful green school!
5th and 6th Class Leaders
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Tree Planting Week, 5th and 6th class worked hard to make sure every child in DSP had the wonderful opportunity to plant a tree in our new hedgerow. Our children from 5th and 6th worked alongside the adult volunteers to lead the younger classes in singing, planting and appreciating nature, and all it has to offer. Our Senior leaders demonstrated great collaboration, respect, responsibility and care, and were a great example for the younger children. We are very proud of you all! Thank you 5th and 6th! Wonderful teamwork! A big thank you also to Ali and Eimear, class teachers and Green School leaders, for all their work to make it happen.
The Hedgerow
On Thursday we went out to Sallyglen and split into three groups. Then we sat in a circle and wrote our wishes for Sallyglen in the future on pieces of cotton sheets. After that we tied our wish rags to a rope. Next we picked a partner or a group of three, got a spade and started digging our hole. Sarah the instructor gave us a hawthorn or a holly tree. After we finished planting our trees we thought about how one day those plants will grow to be giant trees. We ended our session by singing a song Hey Hedgerow. We had a great time.
By Jacob 4th Class
Tree Planting
Our class was brought out to plant trees. First we got in three groups and sat in a circle wrote down what are wishes for the Sallyglen were. Then we got in groups of two and started digging we had to dig and then plant. It was fun me and my partner planted five trees then everyone got in a circle and petted the dog and said what we were grateful for.
By Ella W 4th
Buddies – 6th Class talk & their Senior Infant Buddies tell us about the Hedgerow Planting
‘On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday every student in DSP went out to Sallyglen to plant a hedgerow along the fence. We sang a song, did fun activities and helped to plant trees. We hope to see the trees grow over the years and we hope the trees help the climate.’
‘We had great fun in Sallyglen. We sang a lovely song about the bees and the trees. We made wishes. we wrote them down and tied them to the string. We go to dig holes in the ground and put plants in. They will grow into a big green hedgerow.’
‘We want the animals and insects to have a new home. Then we can see them. Then they are safe.’
‘My favourite part was talking about the animals and the bees. We sang a song about the birds. They will be singing in the trees. They will be living in the trees. We will get to see them.’
‘I can’t wait to climb in the trees. They have to be bigger. You can’t climb in the hedge because it will be very prickly.’
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Hey, Hey Hedgerow Song Lyrics by Yuuki, Saya and Ellie.
Hey Hey Hedgerow
Hey hey hedgerow,
Standing strong,
Through all the seasons and all the years
Birds will be singing on your branches
Bees will be buzzing through your leaves
We are planting together,
We are growing together.
You will be there in the sunshine and the rain.
We’ll be playing by your side,
Sharing laughter and sharing joy.
We are planting together,
We are growing together.
You will be there in the sunshine and the rain.
Hey hey hedgerow,
You’re welcomed by all,
A living story that we’re starting here
