EnviroNews!

The 2022 Resource Smart Schools Awards were hosted on the 2nd of June at a live, in-person event at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The awards are run by Sustainability Victoria and recognize schools that have excelled in the area of Environmental Sustainability. MGC was a finalist in the categories of teacher of the year (Ms Paula McIntosh) and Curriculum Leader of the year.

Six lucky student Environment reps along with Ms Cardamone and Mr Vance made the long trip down Bridge rd. from MGC to the MCG, where we spent the morning meeting with other finalist schools, learning from inspiring environmentally minded organizations and participating in student panel discussions with Expert Environmental Scientists and Environmental managers such as the EPA chief Environmental Scientist, Professor Mark Taylor, Deputy Secretary of Departments of Environment Land, Water and Planning Ms Carolyn Jackson and the state Environment, Climate and Sustainable housing Minister, the Honorable Lily D’Ambrosio. 

After an entertaining morning and an eco-friendly lunch, the awards ceremony officially began. Hosted by Melbourne Comedian Sammy J, the ceremony was both entertaining and inspiring, hearing about all the great initiatives run by Victorian Schools. MGC won the curriculum leadership of the year award for the project “Sustainable Solutions for Period Poverty” led by Ms McIntosh to reduce period poverty without increasing waste. The project has seen MGC students meet with the deputy secretary of the Department of Education to discuss the issue and to problem solve ways to ensure all girls have access to sanity items without necessarily creating more waste problems for future generations to solve. It was fabulous to be able to raise awareness for the project and for the team to be recognized for all their hard work!

While Ms Mcintosh took out the runner up position for teacher of the year, it was still great to catch up with her and hear about all the sustainability initiatives she is implementing at her new school. Thankyou to Sustainability Victoria and the supporting organizations for an amazing day and well done to the Sustainability Team at MGC for continuing to lead with such enthusiasm and passion!