A shared love for the environment brought students, parents, staff, and special guest Federal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi together on Wednesday, 10 September for Belgrave Heights Christian School’s 15th annual Keen on Green planting day, a beloved tradition that has become a cornerstone of the school’s identity.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, the event saw hundreds of participants gather along the Monbulk Creek corridor, where 1400 native trees and shrubs were planted to help restore habitat and promote environmental stewardship.
Mr Violi joined the school community in rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty for the cause.
The school’s principal Peter Cliffe said Keen on Green is one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar, not just for its environmental impact, but for the values it instils in students.
“It’s a day when our entire school community, students, parents, and staff come together with a shared heart and purpose: to be good stewards of the beautiful land we are blessed to have as our school home,” Mr Cliffe said.
“This isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about embedding a sense of responsibility and hope in every student, creating a legacy of environmental stewardship that will grow for years to come.”
Over the past 15 years, the school has planted more than 15,000 native species across the campus, transforming it from a once bare and blackberry-infested campground into a thriving natural habitat.
The result has been a noticeable increase in local wildlife, including native birds like crimson and eastern rosellas, kookaburras, and more recently, sightings of a buff-banded rail and a sugar glider.
For the head of environmental studies and recipient of the 2025 Christian Teacher of the Year Award, James Mathews, the day was a living classroom, one where learning goes well beyond the textbook.
“Take a moment to look at the wattle and blackwood trees flowering behind you. These trees were planted by students just like you 10 years ago,” Mr Mathews told students during the event.
“Now, imagine yourself a decade from now and where you’ll be. Just remember then, the students who come after you will be enjoying the beautiful benefits of the plants you’ve put into the ground today. You’ve done something to be proud of, a truly life-giving thing.”
The planting day also stimulates connections between age groups.
In keeping with tradition, older students were paired with younger buddies, creating moments of mentorship and unity.
One teacher described the transformation, “For a moment the Year 9s dropped their teenage facade and became engaged, responsible, and social people as they planted with their Year 2 buddies. It was a beautiful moment to witness.”
Year 6 school captain, Eleanor Bird summed up the sentiment shared by many of her peers.
“At this school, we value trees and the life that they bring. On Keen on Green day, we get to appreciate nature. We all always have a great day,” she said.
With many more plants still to go into the ground and plenty of students eager to carry on the tradition, Belgrave Heights Christian School remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship.
For this community, Keen on Green is more than just a day of planting, it’s a legacy in full bloom.
