Sustainability Summit Report
The De Mazenod Family Education Network held its GoGreen Student Voice Sustainability Summit this week. Iona College Qld, St Eugene College Qld, Mazenod College WA and Mazenod College Vic were joined by secondary and primary schools either directly connected to Oblate Parishes or generally interested in sharing information about the projects in their schools, promoting sustainability. Corporates, Social Enterprises, universities and schools provided information for the event.
On the first day, students heard from Josie Jones OAM, who has received international acknowledgment for her efforts to remove litter and promote sustainability, especially on the Mornington Peninsula. Josie shared a letter of acknowledgment she received from David Attenborough.
Dr Trevor Innes from Timberlink supported the summit with his presentation on “Carbon, Timber & The Built Environment”. Timberlink transforms sustainably grown plantation pine into timber products and specializes in indoor and structural timber, outdoor timber and pallet and crate products. Dr Trevor also informed students of careers in this rapidly growing business.
Dr Trevor was followed by students from Iona College, Mazenod College WA and Mazenod College Vic who shared the screen to discuss their projects and how their sustainability teams are making an impact in their communities.
On Tuesday, Inspiration Hall featured Ms Kirsty Bishop Fox from Sustainability Pathways who spoke on Sustainable Habits for Health and Wellbeing. Kirsty told everyone that research shows a strong link between better environmental outcomes and personal wellness. Kirsty covered topics that included: personal energy levels, food choices, restorative sleep, improved concentration, and the maintenance of positive relationships and how they are connected to the environment.
Alice Carwardine from Catholic Earthcare provided information on the link between social justice and positive sustainable action. Alice shared information and resources, particularly those associated with Laudato Si.
Wednesday and Thursday featured special presentations and panels that highlighted the amazing work of several schools:
- The “Bin Chickens” at St Eugene College (Waste Reduction and Recycling Programme including the Container Deposit Scheme in operation)
- Killester College Springvale’s STEM project Energy Breakthrough requires students to design a vehicle using recycled materials and then race it in the annual competition in Maryborough Vic
- St Joseph’s P.S. in Sorrento continues to win awards for its initiatives including the development of indigenous gardens, an active Dolphin Research Team, ecology studies etc and
- St Justin’s Wheelers Hill continues to have active green teams developing garden spaces and effectively reducing waste.
The summit concluded on Friday acknowledging the enthusiasm and dedication of the green gangs, green teams, and sustainability teams who attended or sent in their video clips.
Well done to our panel members Saranta Sharma and Ryan Nguyen. Over the week Mazenod students did a brilliant job hosting panels and presentations. Hosts were Chibby Anyadoro, Zain Muscat, Brandon Paul, Lester Harvey, Cameron Boey, Bradley Le, Nikhil Perera, Zane Mendes, Jamie Wilton and Joshua Morin.
Thank you also to the presenters, the corporates and social enterprises who provided resources for the event. Without the key supporters, Timberlink, gener8 Events and GoGreen Student Voice, the summit would not have been possible.
Finally thank you to the staff at the respective schools who encourage and direct our young leaders with their projects and actions.