Sustainability at OGPS

OGPS Bug Club: Exploring the World of Bugs!

Some of the club members Lenny, Brooksy, Zephyr, Tyler and Domenic

 

If you’re around the school at recess or lunch, you’re sure to spot some students armed with bug catchers and magnifying glasses. These curious explorers are members of the OGPS Bug Club—a group of passionate bug enthusiasts eager to discover the fascinating creatures living in our school yard! 

 

Mrs Earle recently interviewed some of the bug club members to find out more.

What Bugs Can You Find at OGPS?

  • Redback spiders
  • Pill bugs
  • Witchy bugs
  • Slugs
  • Ants
  • Snails
  • Grey and orange spiders
  • Soldier beetles

What’s Your Favorite Bug?

  • Beetles
  • Scorpions (which live at the back of the oval)

Why Do You Love Bugs?

  • “They have lots of legs!”
  • “They have cool abilities!”
  • “You can hold them!”

Best Spots to Find Bugs at OGPS

  • The rock area near the SLC
  • The new garden spaces

Fun Bug Facts from the Bug Club

  • Redback spiders can kill a human.
  • Christmas beetles are an endangered species.
  • Dung beetles are incredibly strong.
  • Bugs don’t like salt.

The Bug Club is especially excited for the new garden to open and can’t wait to see the Bug Hotel come to life. They’re hoping to discover giant centipedes and invite everyone to join in the fun of bug hunting!

 

Mrs Earle has purchased new bug catchers and magnifying glasses for all students to borrow. Everyone is welcome to join the OGPS Bug Club and explore the amazing world of bugs! 🐞🦋🐜

 

Please remind your students of the following do's and don'ts for bug hunting:

 

✅ Do's:

  • Observe bugs from a distance. If you’d like to collect one, use the tools carefully and safely.
  • Use the magnifying glass to observe and learn about the bugs.
  • Share the bug-hunting tools and any discoveries with others in the group.

❌ Don'ts:

  • Touch bugs that might bite, such as bull ants, bees or spiders.
  • Move rocks, as this can be unsafe 
  • Hurt or harm any bugs.
  • Use the magnifying glass for anything other than observing bugs.

A Big Thankyou...

At Ocean Grove Primary School, we are fortunate to have a community of dedicated parents who go above and beyond to enhance the learning environment for our students.

 

One such standout is Foundation parent Emma Halliday.

 

Recently, Emma spent the day with the Foundation classes, helping plant the new 'Dunes' themed garden near the sandpit. Her guidance and hard work gave the students an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about plants, and play a part in creating a beautiful space. Emma also generously donated the plants for this garden.

 

Thank you, Emma, for your incredible support and for nurturing a love of gardening and sustainability in our Foundation students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.