Teaching & Learning News
Our Eco-Adventures with CERES - Making a Difference, One Recycle at a Time!
We recently had a fantastic incursion with CERES, where we embarked on an exciting journey to understand our planet better and discover how we can all become environmental champions right from our homes!
One of the most eye-opening discoveries was how nature operates without a single scrap of waste. Everything in the natural world is part of an incredible cycle of reuse. Humans, however, create a lot of waste, especially plastic. We were astonished to learn that a plastic laundry bottle can take a staggering 1,000 years to break down, and a single nappy can take 500 years! This harsh reality highlights why our landfills are filling up at an alarming rate.
Our School's Recycling Initiatives - You Can Help!
We're so excited to share how our school community is actively tackling this challenge, and how your family can join in!
- Container Recycling Program: You might have heard us talking about the "10-cent containers." We're actively participating in the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), where eligible drink containers can be returned for a 10-cent refund. This not only reduces waste but also provides a fantastic opportunity for fundraising for school projects. Look for the CDS symbol on your drink bottles and cans and choose to donate to FWPS at the drop off centres.
- Pen Recycling Program: Did you know that most pens aren't recyclable through kerbside bins? That's why we've started a special pen recycling program at school! We have a dedicated collection point for all your old, non-working pens, markers, and highlighters. These will be sent off to be properly recycled, preventing them from ending up in landfill. Gather up your old pens at home and send them in with your child!
Everything is Connected!
We also learned about the incredible interconnectedness of nature. Think of it like a giant team. For example, a eucalyptus tree provides a home and food for koalas, flying foxes, and kookaburras. These animals, in turn, help support our pollinators. If a tree disappears, it affects all its friends – both plants and animals. Our recycling efforts contribute to this balance by reducing the need for new resources and protecting natural habitats.
A Little Eco-Humour!
Why did the recycling bin break up with the trash can? ... Because they just kept bottling things up! Let's all work together, both at school and at home, to be as eco-friendly as we can and keep our planet healthy for everyone.
Reconciliation Action Plan News
Footscray West Primary School has committed to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP supports our school to build knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories, cultures and contributions.
Developing our RAP is a long term commitment, one that requires ongoing consideration and collaborative effort. Within our community, there is unique knowledge and valuable experience that we would love to see reflected in the development and the implementation of our RAP. We are seeking your input and support so our RAP creates meaningful and sustainable change. This is a call to action for FWPS carers to express their interest in joining our RAP working group.
RAP working group members are dedicated to driving reconciliation within our school community and can support with the co-ordination and administration of RAP initiatives. They will be required to attend two meetings per term in person. The first two meetings will be held during Term 3 at 3:30pm, Thursday 14th August (Week 4) and 3:30pm, Thursday 11th September (Week 8). If you would like to join our working party, you must be available for both of these dates.
If you would like to discuss being involved in the RAP working group, please fill in the following Google Form Expression of Interest: FWPS RAP working group EOI before Friday, 18th July. Please note, by filling in the EOI, you are not guaranteed a position in the working group. You will be contacted if you are successful.
Warm regards,
Tess Maddison