School Involvement Introduction Since 2010, Friends have been involved with local schools in tree planting days. The first school to be involved was Daylesford Primary School. 150 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses were planted above the creek just north of the picnic table Since then, Daylesford Secondary College Gettin’ Dirty students and more recently the students from the Dharma school have assisted the Friends with their planting endeavours. Grants from Federal Government, the Daylesford and District Community Bank, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Hepburn Shire have enabled these events to go ahead. Gettin’ Dirty The Gettin’ Dirty program was initiated by Leading Senior Constable Jim Ross from Moorabool police back in 2006 when young people who seemed at risk of leaving school early were invited to take part in a community-based program which aimed to increase and develop basic skills and self-esteem, and also to develop a sense of ownership of public places by young people. The Friends have been the chosen community group to work with Year 7 and 8 students at Daylesford Secondary College and over the years they have planted over 700 trees along the corridor of Smith’s creek. Additional funding has enabled the engagement of educational programs. Child Safety Policy Please download the FOCH Child Safety Policy below. This policy will be review annually. 2019 so far… UNDER THE MICROSCOPE SCHOOL EVENT  – Tuesday March 26th on the Reserve.  This one day workshop involves students from the Dharma School, St. Michaels and Bullarto Primary schools.  Catering for about 50 students and staff from all the school involved, students rotate through 5 different activities all of which centre around the water in Smiths creek. These activities include searching for macroinvertebrates, examining water and plant leaves through microscopes, making clay frogs which will be fired after the event and exhibited in the local Daylesford Community bank, the effect of pollution on our water ways and how can help to reduce and eliminate plastic in our lives.  This event is a totally plastic free event. Interested in becoming involved or knowing more??? Please contact Margie Thomas on 0409216251 or by email thomato5324@gmail.com.  To be involved on the day, you must have a working with children card. This event is funded by Landcare Victoria, Daylesford Community Op Shop and our local community Bendigo Bank. HANDS ON LEARNING STUDENTS from Daylesford Secondary College are joining us on Thursday 4th April when they will be helping out by planting trees for us.   2018 Thursday October 25th Gettin’ Dirty with years 7 and 8 young chaps from DSC.  They will be planting grasses in the morning followed by a session with Hawk and Owl. Check them out at www.hawkandowl.com.au.                               Friday 26th October –  a visit from the … Continue reading School Involvement