Sustainability News
FPS – A ResourceSmart School!
We’re thrilled to announce that Fairfield PS has just earned our first star for the Core module of the ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) program!
The Core module focuses on essential elements like policy and strategic planning, including our Green Purchasing Policy, Sustainability Policy, and Green Events Policy. It also encompasses our plan to engage the school community at three levels: facilities, curriculum, and the wider community.
This accreditation is a rigorous process that has been worked on for years, including uploading bills to the RSS platform to establish baseline data. Achieving this milestone is a testament to the hard work of our Environmental Sustainability Working Group (ESWG), our dedicated staff, and the entire community. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this achievement!
Here’s an overview of our resource use for 2023. Please be aware that we will no longer be tracking gas usage starting this term because we are officially off gas! Additionally, we’ve achieved excellent results in keeping landfill waste and grid energy consumption low.
If you would like to read the full report from 2023, click here.
ART FOR ALL – A Sustainable Event!
The Eco Club Represents!
The Eco Club was exceptional at ART FOR ALL! Inspired by the Kew High Summit, this group of motivated students embraced their inner eco-entrepreneurs. They created and sold a variety of products including sea salt and rosemary (from the school garden), herb posies (also from the garden), coffee ground body scrub, and wild bird seed—all presented in beautifully upcycled packaging. They even took on the roles of graphic designers, crafting their own logos.
Additionally, we showcased our five waste-stream classroom system, and discussed our nude food initiatives. The interest from the wider community and other schools was fantastic.
This aspect of my job is incredibly rewarding. Sustainable education is not about instilling fear but about discovering solutions and acquiring skills applicable to all areas of life. Congratulations to the Eco Club for leading this initiative so brilliantly—staff merely watched in admiration!
Waste Stations
How brilliant was the minimal waste effort at ART FOR ALL? The wash and waste stations, managed by our dedicated parents, ensured that our school maintained a very small environmental footprint while having a lot of fun. It’s clear that the extensive planning by our parent volunteers paid off. FPS should be incredibly proud of leading the way in sustainability!
Container Deposit Scheme
What is the Container Deposit Scheme?
Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) gives a 10 cent refund for every eligible drink can, carton, glass or plastic bottle returned at a refund point across Victoria.
Did you know that you can donate your Container Deposit Scheme to Fairfield PS?
Simply visit a ‘North Container Deposit Scheme’ location and use the school’s Zone ID – see the barcode in the attached poster.
Alternatively, use the CDS Vic North app to find a registered organisation (Fairfield PS!) to support at your local refund point.