Pine Tree Set for Removal for Public Safety
Sad Decision for Maryknoll Convent School
A spokesperson for the Maryknoll Convent School said today (4 February) that the school had decided that the Norfolk Island Pine tree towering over the school campus had to be removed for the safety of students, teachers and the public.
During its recent drainage renovation works, the school authorities found the contractor digging trenches near the tree towards the end of January. They immediately called a stop to the works and notified the Administration. Meanwhile, tree experts were asked to make a thorough assessment. The report by the first team of tree experts was received at the end of January and that by the second team was received in early February. The experts concluded that the major root system of the tree has suffered severe and irreparable damage. As a result, the tree is now unstable and there is a risk of collapse, posing a threat to the safety of students and teachers, nearby pedestrians and road traffic. Moreover, the soil structure supporting the tree has changed and its health condition deteriorated, with the chance for its survival being slim.
To ensure the safety of students, teachers and the public, the school has no choice but to decide to remove the tree quickly.
Sister Jeanne Houlihan, Regional Representative of the Maryknoll Sisters, said with deep regrets, "This tree has grown together with the teachers, students and alumnae of the Maryknoll Convent School. We have cherished it over the decades. The decision for its removal is, therefore, extremely difficult for us. We love this tree much, but we love our students more. Our prime concern is the safety of the public and our students. This is a very painful decision.
"Given the changeable weather condition, it is uncertain how the tree will hold in rain and wind," she added.
A saddened Mrs Helen Yu, alumna of the Maryknoll Convent School and Supervisor of its Primary Section, observed, "Removal of our tree fills us with sorrow as former students. However, we can understand and accept the need for its urgent removal.
"In fact, we have endeavoured to conserve the tree with Government support since July last year. Tree experts have been making regular inspections and structural engineering consultants have studied possible proposals for long-term support of the tree. Since the damage from the drainage works, we have even considered the feasibility of temporary support for it. However, such works take time with no assurance of preventing the risk of collapse during installation. In this light, the proposals for emergency and long-term support are not practicable."
Mrs Yu continued, "The school will select a suitable site in the campus to plant a new tree during the Homecoming of alumnae for our "Worldwide Reunion" on 19 February. We will also upload recent pictures of this old tree to the website of our Former Students Association.
"We appreciate Government's assistance over the past months in the attempts for conservation and other arrangements for our pine tree."
Mrs Yu emphasised, "The school authorities will continue to conserve the trees, the fauna and flora in the school campus, to give our students a quality environment for learning."
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