Eco Schools 2012 grants awarded and project summaries

Forestville Public School

Bush regeneration and outdoor learning space provision

Our school’s beautiful bushland environment has recently been impacted on with the erection of three demountable classrooms. We will construct a native garden between the new classrooms using a range of local native plants and indigenous bush tucker species which will attract birds, insects and small animals. This will visibly reduce the impact of the structures and regenerate the original bushland. Students will research and design the garden and be responsible for the continued maintenance. The garden will provide the outdoor learning area needed to support investigations and observations in the Biological Science programs being studied, and teach students about native Australian plants.

Glendore Public School

Our environment is in our little hands

Our school has enrolled 52 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The education project we are proposing is a revegetation of an area of the school with local native plants to encourage local plants and animals back to the local environment and to use Aboriginal cultural perspectives to encourage the design of the area proposed. This proposed area of the school grounds has suffered from soil erosion and infestation of exotic plants and weeds. We want to address these issues through providing students with a learning experience that will engage them and educate them about an Aboriginal perspective on the environment and how we can be a sustainable school for the future. Through educating the students in this project we will address a diversity of issues including biodiversity and natural resources, this will empower students with knowledge to assist them and our local community in changing behaviours towards local environmental issues.

Herons Creek Public School

Let our senses run wild

Our small school thrives on its strong sense of community and a close connection with the natural environment. This project extends our commitment to providing opportunities for students to learn in place, explore through their senses, observe and interact with wildlife and engage in action learning for environmental sustainability. The project will develop an area of the school grounds with: (1) vegetation that stimulate the senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight; (2) structures and plants that will attract and provide habitat for wildlife; and (3) landscaping features that make the space safe, accessible and interactive.

Kentucky Public School

Kentucky school waste reduction and organic recycling program

Up until quite recently the school produced two large wheelie bins of rubbish that was collected and ended up in the local landfill. A major proportion of this waste had the potential to be recycled. The areas of major recycling potential were in organic waste and paper products. The project proposed, is to build a set of six wooden compost bins in the school grounds large enough to accommodate the waste generated by its students. Six would be built to enable the compost to decompose in stages with usable compost ready at any time through bin rotation.

Kiama Public School

Organic waste recycling hub

In 2011 our school began establishing a living classroom that is permaculture based and incorporates vegetable gardens and fruit trees. An additional sustainable practice to support the living classroom is the development of a waste management system that features a compost bay for advanced compost production by the INDORE method, storage bays and worm farm boxes. The worm farms, made from recycled fence rails, have dual purpose as they are also used as a seating. This project will minimise waste at our school, produce valuable compost and fertiliser as well as involve the whole school community in environmental learning experiences.

Kincumber Public School

Installation and monitoring of fauna nest boxes in trees

The installation and monitoring of animal nest boxes in trees within the school grounds. Each class will be responsible for the research, observation and recording of animals using the nest boxes. The loss of tree hollows in urban areas is a recognised threatening process under the provisions of the Threatened Species Conservation Act and negatively impacts on biodiversity of a locality. The nest boxes will provide replacement shelter and nesting habitat for local animals using the school grounds and to improve the habitat connectivity to adjoining areas.

Lakeside School

Chook coop

Lakeside School is a School for Specific Purposes, catering for students with moderate to severe disabilities from preschool to Year 12. The aim of our project is to design and construct a fully enclosed chook pen and hutch which will work in with our organic kitchen gardening project. The chook pen will be fully enclosed for their protection, covering an area of five metres by two metres which will be surrounded by several raised vegetable beds, composting bins and an outdoor learning area. The chook pen will have hutches which can be accessed by students from the outside and the chooks will have an area to free range and scratch. An automatic watering and feed system will also be installed. This project will involve the wider school community, involving parents, local businesses, organisations and groups.

Lindfield East Public School

To design and create a seated area as part of an outdoor classroom

Research suggests students gain a deeper understanding of information being presented when learning takes place in an outdoor environment. We would like our students to design an outdoor classroom setting in our school garden which will encourage and facilitate teachers to bring their classes out for teaching and learning across all key learning areas. The area will require permanent seating due to the surrounding terrain in accordance with the philosophy of reusing materials such as timber, and minimal landscaping such as ground cover to make it an attractive and workable area for teachers and students to work in.

Magdalene Catholic High School

Journey through time

Our Journey through time project will involve the construction of a meandering path that goes around our vegetable garden and past the dam and back to the start. Along the pathway will be six stations which are small covered-over mini pergolas. Each pergola will be made of timber and have a tin roof. Inside each will be a 6-seater table which are currently being made by the TAS faculty. Our school grounds are very rich in local history and at each station there will be a plaque with one of the six historic eras we have identified from the original Dharawal indigenous people, through the time of John Macarthur, the Patrician Brothers and to current time.

Maitland Grossmann High School

Save the school environment through improving biodiversity

The project aims to increase biodiversity and develop environmentally sustainable initiatives throughout the school, make the school grounds more attractive through rehabilitation and recreate original habitats by restoration work. Garden beds will be created and filled with endemic species of flora. The establishment of a School Grounds Management Team and school landcare group in 2012 has assisted with determining and coordinating the contribution of each faculty in achieving these goals. Greater understanding of biodiversity and the importance of endemic species of plants and animals will foster a sense of place. Students will be more aware of and understand the nature, function and inter-related nature of ecosystems. Skills will be applied within an environmental context which may lead to employment in the future.

Manly Vale Public School

Oval overhaul at Manly Vale Public School – dustbowl to a sustainable surface

Overhauling the oval at Manly Vale Public School to an environmentally sustainable surface will use real science in action and so integrate environmental education with improvements to the school. Following student growth of 20 percent and over the last five years, the only grassed area for the students is now an undulating expanse which alternates from a dust bowl to a mud bath. This project will level the area, install an automatic watering system and water tanks, lay new turf and mark out play areas. Specifically, this grant will fund water tanks which will ensure that the project follows the strong environmental ethos of the school while ensuring the sustainability of the surface and providing environmental education. The students will take an active role in an ecological study of the area as well as an evaluation of an appropriate irrigation regime. This will provide sustainable management of the school operations as well as promote the students’ and teachers’ values that support environmental sustainability.

Manly Village Public School

Recreating our Farmer Brown community garden

In 2010, our new school hall was built as part of the BER project on top of the garden we had created in 2008. In 2011 we began to recreate a smaller flower and fruit garden, but it is very bare and underused. We want the garden to be extended and recreated so that it can be optimally used by teachers, parents and students, just as it had been prior to the building works. The garden will provide an outdoor learning space, will be used to up-skill teachers in using the garden to enrich learning and will support curriculum outcomes in Stages 1, 2 and 3. It will create a natural space for our many families living without a garden, in apartments. Students, parents, staff and an external landscape gardener will collaborate to build a user-friendly infrastructure including: raised timber garden beds, large pots, a student created pathway to optimise accessibility, a herb section, a flower section, an aromatic section, trees, seating, planting and propagation.

Mannering Park Public School

Kurung Karni

This project is designed to bring the Aboriginal community and school community together to form a communal garden enjoyed by all members of the school and community. Bush tucker plants are to be planted with information shared via Aboriginal personnel and signage. An outdoor learning area will help facilitate whole class learning and enjoyment of the project. Sustainability will be taught through plantings and caring for the area. Biodiversity will be taught linking with other local projects.

Maroota Public School

Bundaluck’s Nest

Maroota Public School plans to create an outdoor learning area by utilising land (600 square metres) that is currently overgrown and unsafe (bushfire risk/snakes). This project will complement our Environmental Education program and promote whole school involvement. Community relationships will be strengthened as we promote that sense of belonging. Students will achieve curriculum outcomes from many KLAs, as this project will provide opportunities for students to develop skill and values related to our school’s physical environment. Students will also develop a sense of pride and ownership, as they are empowered to be involved in the project from beginning to end. The area will be rehabilitated to enhance and extend the capacity to take the learning outdoors.

Menai High School

Tree planting to reduce water logging and salinity on school agriculture plot

Water logging and salinity in low lying areas of Menai High School agriculture plot have reduced the productivity of the plot. In the construction of the school, many trees were removed. The area is gently sloping with the school agriculture plot being at the base of the slope. The run-off from the High School, and adjoining Primary School, flows through the agriculture plot and is restricted from flowing freely due to footpath and road construction. Recent rains have dramatically increased waterlogged areas causing rising salt and algal blooms over the footpaths leading to both schools. Planting trees that are native to the local area will reduce the waterlogging and salinity in the agriculture plot, improving productivity and reducing the occurrence of the algal blooms over the footpaths, making them safer for pedestrians.

Mount Keira Public School

Regenerate land (Indigenous flora) – create outdoor learning area

An outdoor learning area will be created in a disused gully located within the school grounds. The gully will be regenerated by clearing then planting understorey flora that is indigenous to Mt Keira. The building of steps and seating will then allow this area to become an outdoor learning area to enhance the learning experiences of our students in areas such as Aboriginal education, environmental education and science. The P&C will be involved in the project by conducting working bees while students will be involved in the designing and planting. An expert on indigenous plants from Wollongong Botanic Gardens has already provided a list of suitable flora. The completion of the project will become a springboard for a future project involving the Aboriginal community in creating outdoor sculptures.

New Lambton South Public School

New Lambton South Public School outdoor leaning hubs

New Lambton South Public School is already striving to incorporate environmental management, sustainability and education into the whole school planning process to create opportunities for students to develop into effective and committed environmental citizens and advocates as well as having a positive impact on other key learning outcomes including opportunities to develop life skills such as co-operation, organisation, communication, risk management, decision making, goal setting, leadership, problem solving and cooking. New Lambton South believes strongly in the benefits of outdoor learning and would like to implement a great way for students to work in harmony with their environment by creating several outdoor learning hubs. These hubs will be designed to be interactive, dynamic and hands on – getting students out of the classroom and into the school environment to work in small groups on tasks that are specifically designed for that hub or tasks that have been adapted from the wider curriculum to make learning dynamic, enjoyable and successful.

Oxley High School

Warruwi parent and community involvement: cultural and garden project

Warruwi community cultural project is designed to enhance and link the importance of education and cultural recognition for Aboriginal students and community members. We achieve this through student, teacher and community involvement in the planning, development and maintenance of the area creating ownership and pride. Our project is designed to empower the community through restoration of Aboriginal Culture, knowledge and heritage as linked with the re-establishment of our local Grassy White Box Woodland ecosystem. The project will encourage active partnerships with Aboriginal students, parents and community. This will be a gathering/teaching and sharing area where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people will learn about the Gomeroi culture and will reflect the sustainable nature of that culture. We will aim to incorporate modern sustainability techniques with traditional methods. Outcomes will be measured through formal TAFE qualifications, increased parent/community involvement and relevant data collection e.g. attendance. We want to ensure all Aboriginal students have equitable access to post school opportunities.

Pleasant Heights Public School

School environmental project creating outdoor learning area

Students will be assisted to design and plant an area beside a natural creek that is currently cleared but overgrown with weeds to create an outdoor learning area. Students will connect classroom learning to the outdoors. Principles used in the design will be derived from bush regeneration groups and native Australian gardening and sustainability concepts. Students will benefit from the hands-on experience of learning and the outdoor space that they will create. This project will enhance links within the school, its environment and local community organisations.

Richmond Public School

Waste watch

We feel that Richmond Public School has the potential to manage its waste in more environmentally friendly ways. We would like to reduce the impact that our waste has on the environment by reducing the amount of waste we produce and by using organic waste materials productively.

Soldiers Point Public School

Koala habitat protection and rehabilitation

In NSW the koala is listed as a Vulnerable Species under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act. While it is now illegal to clear koala habitat without permission, the pressure to clear bushland continues with the result that koala habitat is becoming scarcer. Future development in nearby streets and the continuing school population growth is placing pressure on our school’s koala habitat. Our project aims to identify and increase school koala habitat areas. Students will undertake research activities on the plight of koalas and will educate others. Students will appreciate the value of conserving the environment and employing sustainable management practices.

St Joseph’s Regional College Port Macquarie

Green waste recycling and composting

Collection and recycling into compost of green waste and food scraps within the college. At present no recycling of green waste and food scraps from the Food Technology Department, canteen, staff lunch room or playground is in place. By starting a collection of these wastes and constructing a compost area the college will be able to produce its own compost for its garden program while helping to conserve the environment. At St Joseph’s Regional College we have in place a work education group. This group is made up of students with disabilities under instruction from learning support officers. This project will give them an ongoing project to use practical applications of the skills learned in the classroom. The students who are involved in the program benefit by learning many useful life skills which encompass key learning outcomes of many of their subjects.

St Michael’s Primary School Thirroul

The green scene at St Michael’s

St Michael’s School recycling program involves the recycling of paper within classrooms and office areas. There is a need to extend recycling to reduce waste in the playground and our project will achieve this. We will introduce three compost heaps and four worm farms. To ensure the project is successful we will be educating the staff and children on how to successfully reduce our waste through recycling of compostable materials and organic matter. This project will result in teaching the students, staff and school community how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste and make a lifetime commitment to environmental management.

St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock

Remnant forest revegetation project

As a community of lifelong learners, St Philip’s students will be taking an active role in the regeneration of the remnant forest located at our school site called Lomas Park situated at Nulkaba, Cessnock. Over the years the soil on the 90-acre property has been compacted by livestock and has become depleted of nutrients to the point where the salinity levels are a real problem. In 2011, Year 6 Students were involved in the Cessnock City Council’s Veg Watch Program and became very aware of the problems facing Black Creek (running through the school) and the grounds of the school. After liaising with the co-ordinators of the Veg Watch Program it was noted that the regeneration of the remnant forest found at the school with native flora would positively impact the salinity levels in the soil as well as have a positive impact on the colony of micro-bats found in the forest. This eco project will continue the regeneration process of the forest and lead students into the propagation component of the school’s environmental management plan.

St Raphael’s Central School

School biodiversity enhancement

The school has a number of sloping embankments on two sides of the school perimeter. Total area to be planted is approximately 1700 square metres. These embankments have a number of mature trees on them, mainly eucalypts, but very little ground cover or middle storey shrubs. We would build retaining walls at the base of the embankments where appropriate. Students and parents would be involved in planting suitable native shrubs and ground cover to provide middle and lower storey cover.

Tamworth West Public School

Sustainable action

An in-depth learning experience for students on long suspension (years 5–10 with a cross-curricula focus), the NSW Science, Human Society and Its Environment and Life Skills syllabuses have significant environmental strands, establishing a native plant propagation area and replace the grass in a medium sized area with local native drought-tolerant plants. The Student Representative Council (SRC) has identified the quantity of food waste. The SRC will promote positive, responsible actions; collect food waste and deliver it to the New England Learning Centre (NELC). As part of a life skills program the NELC students will compost and maintain the native garden and seedlings.

Thornton Public School

Creating a frog pond on school grounds

We aim to establish an area for students to become involved in environmental projects such as Waterwatch, Schools’ Tree Day and sustainability programs. An area within the school grounds was identified as an appropriate site for students, teachers and school community to create a frog pond incorporating native trees, grasses and shrubs to create habitat for local fauna. Frog ponds provide a place to connect with and learn about nature and a wonderful way to add biodiversity to school grounds. Ponds are a microclimate necessary for the survival of many species they support wildlife by providing habitat for insects, native animals, birds and frogs. Ponds complete the food web and help keep pests in balance.

Turramurra Public School

Indigenous garden and sensory bush trail

Our project to build an Indigenous garden and sensory bush trail that will provide opportunity for our students to design and build a garden with local, indigenous plants, trees and shrubs, whilst learning environmental management and bush conservation. On completion, the garden will provide an outdoor learning environment for the school and community, and a sensory trail to stimulate the senses of touch, hearing, smell and sight in a native bush setting.

Tweed River High School

Jump start program – sustainable living

We aim to reduce the need for resources in addition to what is available on-site and within the local community to train 20 Year-9 boys in how to recycle and re-use materials to make chicken tractors. The school has one wheelie bin of food waste within school canteen and food technology kitchens that is being sent to landfill. We want to integrate this waste into a program aimed at training these students on the principles of resource conservation. The program aims to raise the self-esteem within the group through a process of auditing energy use in a typical urban household. This will involve researching and making adjustments to reduce household use of resources; implementing an outdoor classroom within the school’s grounds which will act as a model, illustrating resource conservation strategies; measurement of consumption and ways to reduce waste within the typical suburban backyard can be reduced and needs can be catered to within typical suburban back yard.

Villa Maria Primary School

Villa Maria garden project

The Villa Maria garden project is a whole-school initiative that is needed to encourage the school community to develop and implement environmentally sustainable practices. This program will allow for an ecological conversion in students, teachers and parents so that they are aware of the impact they have on the environment while equipping them with the knowledge, skills and values to make changes in their lives. The changes possible include a greater awareness of reducing waste through composting and in the design, implementation and care of a garden area that will also be used as a learning space for the school.

West Wallsend High School

West Wallsend heritage garden

In preparation for the 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2014, we want to develop a heritage garden. The garden will provide a focal point for our anniversary celebrations for both the school and the community. Focal points of the garden will involve Trees in Newcastle in landscape design and propagating/educating on mass plantings of wahlenbergia, featured on the school crest, to re-establish and conserve the native bluebell, once prolific in the immediate area, but now locally extinct due to development. A solar water feature created by Science students to symbolise the school’s current and future mantra of sustainability. It is also intended to have a memorial wall where past students and families can be represented for the future generations, and a time capsule to be opened in future years.

Wollondilly Anglican College

The recycling of biomass using local fungi and insects

Schools, and indeed society, can often generate large amounts of biomass waste, for example the green waste collected by councils. Our project, a proposed collaboration with the CSIRO, encourages Science students to investigate efficient ways of converting that biomass into usable energy, such as biofuel. Currently the CSIRO is investigating special enzymes from fungi and insects, like termites, that help break down biomass and our school would like to partner them, with students performing individual projects, examining various aspects of this field.

Wollondilly Public School

Wollondilly native garden

Our project is to develop more biodiversity in our playground through the creation of a healthy ecology and a sustainable native garden area. A sloping bank leading down to our playground has been identified by our environmental committee as being in need of retaining and planting out, to avoid further erosion and exposure of rocks which pose safety risks for students using the field below for games. The area is also used by community groups in the afternoons (soccer and cricket training). The ground is being eroded in wet weather and creates either a dust bowl or mud slide. We would like to regenerate the area and make an attractive and aesthetically pleasing site which would also provide some shade for the playing fields below. We see this project as an opportunity to learn about ecosystems, waste and water management, native plants, sustainability, mini-beasts, methods of recycling and management of land.

Wyong High School

Enviro club

The project involves running an environmental group, each week for two hours. The group will be responsible for the maintenance of the school grounds including an Aboriginal rock area and a young bush tucker garden. They will also be propagating and planting native plants, conducting annual SEMP reviews, Waterwatch monitoring at Wyong River and promoting environmental sustainability through important dates such as National tree planting day, Earth Hour and National recycling week. Through this, students will learn about why we should be and how we can be, environmentally sustainable together.