Student Voice

Taking Action ... Karoo's Lone Pine 

At the beginning of Term 2 students from our middle school began their Integrated unit: Community, Remembrance and Celebrations. Students learnt about the history of the Lone Pine. They began by reading two stories, ‘Lone Pine’ by Susie Brown and Margaret Warner, and ‘The ANZAC Tree’ by Christina Booth. From here students visited our very own Lone Pine tree, which was planted here at Karoo in 2015 on the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. Students wanted others to know about our tree’s history and have it recognised so that future Karoo students can acknowledge the history of this tree and remember. 

So began a letter writing campaign to gather support for their idea.

Here is just one example of how the middle school students have had an impact and had their voices heard.

Dear Hon. Kim Wells,

I am Viaan, a Year 3 student at Karoo Primary School. I am writing this letter to you as we are trying to have our Lone Pine Tree at our school recognised.

Our Lone Pine tree has a few rocks around it. There is not many pine cones and it is quite tall. We kindly ask for your support in working towards obtaining a plaque for our Lone Pine tree.

Mr Peter Ireland, a friend of our class, strongly supports our request.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,

Viaan P

Viaan, from our Middle School, met with Mr Kim Wells, our local member for Rowville, to discuss support to construct a plaque to place in front of Karoo PS's ‘Lone Pine.’ The purpose of the plaque is to acknowledge and pay respect to all service personal for the sacrifices they have made for our country in times of conflict. 

The meeting had a very positive outcome with Mr Wells looking forward to supporting the school in this action! What an amazing example of student voice! Thank you to Mrs Corrales and the middle school team for their support for our student to share their voice and take action to positively impact our world! 

'What a pleasure it was to meet Viaan P, a third grade student from Karoo Primary School. Viaan came to see me to ask for my support in arranging a plaque to be installed at the base of the Lone Pine Tree at the school.  The Lone Pine tree commemorates the Battle of Lone Pine fought from 6-9 August 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula, upon which stood a solitary pine tree. I certainly had no hesitation in offering my full support to this amazing, thoughtful young man. Watch this space!!!'

                                                                                  From Kim Wells, State Member for Rowville