Each year, incoming kindergarten students from St Joseph's Primary School in West Kempsey plant a donated fruit tree together in the school grounds with the hope that by the time those children reach Year Six, their tree would be bearing fruit they can enjoy.

The school's first trees went into terracotta pots along the driveway but did not see successful growth. The next planting that went directly into the school grounds worked well until the area flooded and was later cleared for playground refurbishment.

A third attempt in the tennis court area thrived for four years before the courts were renovated and the trees had to be moved again. The trees were then transplanted into the current garden area and two were replaced with healthier trees to ensure their survival.

Today, nine established fruit trees grow in the school's orchard, planted by kindergarten classes from 2017 through to 2025. The trees are thriving and although a few natural disasters have delayed the first fruit – the school continues to care for them.

"I believe it is important that children have a connection to the land and a sense of ownership in caring for our school environment. The children love having ownership of the donated fruit tree," said Michelle Tarrant, a class teacher at St Joseph's.

According to Michelle, students who plant together on Schools Tree Day go on to engage with Earth Hour, school clean-ups, Water Week and other environmental programs throughout the year.

Schools Tree Day takes place every year as part of National Tree Day and this year it is celebrated on Friday, 24 July.

To register your school or find out how to participate, visit https://nationaltreeday.org.au/get-involved/schools.