Our College community exceeded all expectations on National Schools Tree Day, planting around 1,000 indigenous plants across the College grounds.
Originally aiming to plant 600 indigenous plants, the College received 750 plants from Frankston City Council. However, by lunchtime, students had enthusiastically planted every one. Inspired by their commitment and energy, additional plants were secured, bringing the total number planted to approximately 1,000.
The planting day celebrated the College's selection as one of only two Frankston City 2026 Schools Tree Day Environmental Ambassador Schools, recognising its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Working alongside staff and Frankston City Council representatives, students transformed areas of the campus with indigenous vegetation that will provide food, shelter and habitat for local wildlife while enhancing biodiversity for years to come.
The College was pleased to welcome Frankston City Council Mayor Sue Baker and Councillor Emily Green, who joined students throughout the morning to celebrate the initiative and witness the positive impact of the project.
The planting project will create lasting environmental benefits by improving biodiversity, supporting local wildlife, assisting with carbon storage and stormwater management, and strengthening connections between fragmented natural habitats across the Frankston region.
National Schools Tree Day provided students with a meaningful opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the environment while demonstrating the College's commitment to sustainability. The enthusiasm shown by students throughout the day was evident, with their efforts resulting in hundreds more plants being established than originally planned.
John Paul College is proud to be recognised as a 2026 Environmental Ambassador School and looks forward to watching both the indigenous plants and the positive impact of this initiative continue to grow.