News and Information from Lilydale Heights College Logo
News and Information from Lilydale Heights College
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Sustainability

Tania Lim

Join us for Schools Idle Off Day. Did you know that idling car engines at school pick-up can harm children's health? When vehicles sit with engines running, they release exhaust fumes that children breathe in while waiting, walking and playing nearby. Because children's lungs are still developing and they breathe more air relative to their body size than adults, this pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause respiratory irritation and affect long-term lung and heart development.

 

The good news? A simple change makes a big difference. Turning off your engine when parked for more than a few seconds immediately reduces harmful pollution around our school. On the last day of Term 3 (Thursday 17/09/2026), our school is joining Schools Idle Off Day to celebrate Global Zero Emissions Day (September 21st). We're asking all families to turn off their engines during afternoon pick-up. This simple action protects our children's health and improves air quality around our school.

 

Schools internationally that have encouraged idling reduction report measurable improvements in local air quality and increased parent awareness. Let's work together to keep the air our children breathe clean and safe. Small Action, Big Impact – Remember to switch off your engine at pick-up time on September 17th and beyond!

 

Take the pledge to Idle Off and read more about the Idle Off campaign by Doctors for the Environment Australia here.

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Sustainability in Action Across Our School

Sustainability remains a key cross-curricular priority at our school, woven into learning experiences across all subject areas.    During Science Week, the entire school community came together as students created seed bombs and our Sus Club leaders coordinated an exciting seed bombing event at our Yarning Circle, bringing new native plant life to this important space.

 

Looking ahead, junior Science classes will explore the power of advocacy by examining how campaigns are designed and implemented to advance sustainability causes. Our junior Humanities students will be undertaking a comprehensive biodiversity audit before the end of term, developing their understanding of local ecosystems while building valuable research skills. Through these hands-on, meaningful learning experiences, our students are not only deepening their environmental knowledge but also developing as active citizens committed to creating a more sustainable future.

 

The photographs below show Mrs Rayner and Mrs Van Den Brink piffing seed bombs in the school veggie garden and Yarning Circle.

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What’s happening in the community

As the weather warms up and the holidays approach, there’s no better time than now to get involved with your local community’s sustainability and environment programs. Check out this list of free events that we’ve put together for you to explore:

 

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Water Report

Our RSS module of focus this year is ‘Water’. The Sus Club’s activities this year will therefore look into reducing school water consumption, saving money and promoting sustainable water practices through auditing, infrastructure improvements and curriculum integration. We will be tracking data, repairing leaks, talking about installing efficient technology and educating the community. To this end, we have been providing a snapshot of water use in our monthly newsletters:

 

Victoria’s water storage level has risen from 66.2% last month to 68.9%. Woo hoo! Our school water usage has risen from around in 76,780 July to around 111,380 litres this month – Boo hoo!  However, we were on break for two weeks in July!  So, report leaks, turn off taps and be mindful when using the drinking fountains. Let’s stay on track to meet our targets!

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Join the club!

Want to make a real difference at school and beyond? Join the Sus Club and turn your ideas into action!

  • Plan fun eco-events 🌱

  • Lead recycling and waste-reduction projects ♻️

  • Raise awareness about climate and community issues 🌍

  • Meet friends who care about the planet 🤝

No experience needed — just bring your energy and passion! Together, we can create a greener, cleaner future starting right here at school. Come along to SHUB 1 on Thursday at lunchtime to see what we’re all about and sign up! We can’t wait to see you there!