Compost and Excitement is Brewing at Ocean Grove Primary School

Compost updates and tips from Mr KT

I love compost! It is one of my favourite things in life. I am so impressed and excited about the new composting system developed by Mrs Earle and the Sustainability Committee here at school.

I've had lots of success with my compost bins (5 of them!) at home. So, I'm more than happy to help out where I can if anybody needs some assistance.

I have set up a compost bin outside the STEM room which is already brewing away. I have a worm farm that will be up and running soon.

Composting is a game of patience. Remember that! It is good for the soul.

Tips:

Encourage the kids to break up fruit and vegetable peels into smaller pieces before throwing them in the bucket.
Myth: You can't put citrus in the compost. Yes you can! Just don't overload it and break it apart a little more. A compost of just citrus can be too acidic for the worms etc.

Veg Patch Call Out

The vision for our spectacular fruit and veg space near the SRC is coming together just in time for Spring planting. Soon, this space will be buzzing with bees and humming with fresh produce, setting the scene for learning, nourishment, and fun for our kids.

To support the next garden phase, we’re looking for donations of the following from our wonderful school community:

Mulch: About two trailer loads for mulching paths.
Pea straw: 5x bales (or a large round bale) to keep the weeds at bay and moisture in the garden over the warmer months.
Reinforcing steel mesh: 2x (1x4m) to make garden arches for climbing plants to grow between garden beds (think pumpkin and cucumber over summer) and 1x (2x1m) for the beans to climb up.
Tall star pickets: 10x to hold the mesh in place.

Please reach out to Jo Earle (Year 1 teacher) if you can offer any of the above. With everyone’s help, our kids will be enjoying this Garden of Eating in no time.

Thank you

Blair Philips and Tiffany Campbell

Celebrating Two-Star Sustainability at Ocean Grove Primary School

We are excited to announce that Ocean Grove Primary School has been awarded the Waste Star by Resource Smart Schools!

This recognition celebrates the dedication of our entire school community, with a special acknowledgment of our Sustainability Student Leaders for 2023: Hattie, Ada, and Quinn.

Throughout our journey, we have implemented a waste management strategy across classrooms, gardens, and office spaces. Students at all levels have learned and embedded the principles of recycling, upcycling, and reusing materials.

The introduction of 'Nude Food Tuesday' has been particularly successful, with students enthusiastically preparing waste-free lunches and encouraging their parents to minimise packaging.

What is the Resource Smart School Star Progression?

Stars are obtained through the completion of Modules and meeting benchmarks for resource use and is valid for four years.

Schools receive their first Star once their Core Module is certified by Sustainability Victoria. Schools can progress from 1 Star up to 5 Stars and move towards becoming a Leadership School. Each of the 5 Stars has specific requirements for completion. Schools must complete additional actions in the Modules and meet and maintain resource benchmarks. What to find out more about the RRS Star Progression?

https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/our-work/resourcesmart-schools/resourcesmart-schools-stories/get-started/star-progression

Container Disposal Scheme!

We're excited to share that Ocean Grove Primary School is now an eligible charity under the CDS Vic West program. Any donations received will go towards our ongoing efforts to foster a greener and more environmentally conscious school community. Your support will directly contribute to initiatives promoting sustainability education and implementing eco-friendly practices within our school. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and instil important values in our students. Please take a moment to review the instructions below on how you can contribute to our cause.

Parent Information