On Tuesday, 18th May, the Environment and Sustainability captains, Kira Irvin and I, were invited to attend an afternoon tea in the office of Lily D’Ambrosio MP, the Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Solar Homes, to celebrate and acknowledge the efforts of members of our community in contributing to environment and sustainability. We were honoured by the invitation and gratefully accepted. We met many interesting individuals and organisations, along with other schools and learnt about how they promoted environmentally friendly options. We also took the opportunity to share with the MP and the other visitors our vision for the school and the plans and rollout for recycling that we are working on to ensure we as a college are doing our bit for the environment and sustainability here at Epping Secondary College.

At the end of the afternoon tea, we had a pleasant surprise from the MP as we were presented with an award acknowledging and thanking us for our contribution to the environmental work we are undertaking. The event was a tremendous success and was an amazing opportunity to learn and to be inspired. It also provided us with an insight into other areas we would like to see being implemented moving forward at our college. I know for me, it’s definitely an experience that I won’t forget.

Martin Jovanoski

Environment and Sustainability Captain

Environment and Sustainability, Events and Fundraising

Being in SRC is a commitment. I chose to be in SRC because I like being a leader and helping out. I also want to participate in helping to create positive change that we as leaders have the ability to do. SRC isn't just about talking in assemblies, you’re able to choose the group you’re most passionate about. I'm in the Environment and Sustainability Group. There are also Events and Fundraising, Culture and Diversity and Student Voice and Wellbeing groups. I'm excited to see what we can achieve this year in SRC. One of our goals in the Environment and Sustainability Group is to introduce recycling bins. This

brilliant idea belongs to one of the senior leaders of the group. We have been collaborating weekly to develop a plan so we can introduce the bins. We will start by having the paper recycling bins in all staff rooms then we will progress to the new building and conclude with bins in every classroom by the end of the year.

Batul Ibrahim Environment and Sustainability Representative

Year 7 Time Capsules

Our SRC Event and Fundraising team have been working hard throughout this term meeting weekly to create a more engaging and fun environment within the school. Currently we are working on creating a time capsule activity for all the Year 7s. The time capsules will be kept at the college until the students reach year 12. At a specified time in Year 12 towards the end of the year, all students will open their own capsules and reflect

on the many positive memories from their junior years. The capsules will include photos, a letter from a parent/carer, an engaging questionnaire, some personal possessions and some personal touches of their choice. It is our aim to have each student’s capsule completed and handed in by the end of term 2 for safe keeping.

Kaitie Strolla

Events and Fundraising Representative

Wellbeing and Student Voice

The Wellbeing and Student Voice SRC Team have been working hard to brighten up areas of the school to make it more enjoyable and pleasant for students to learn in. We are hoping to decorate classrooms with student artwork and posters that represent our school values: respect, perseverance, honesty, commitment and resilience, as well as some motivational tips and inspirational

quotes to help the students.

Recently the team participated in organising IDAHOBIT day and created and wrote thank you cards to all the staff in the school as a sign of appreciation for all the support they have given their students. This act of gratitude was to all members of the staff and was part of their Wellbeing Week.

Sheriline Lay

Wellbeing and Student Voice Captain

Whittlesea Food Collective

WHITTLESEA FOOD COLLECTIVE SUPPORTS PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP AND ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER AND GET INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

11Y proudly harvesting fresh vegetables they are donating to the Whittlesea Food Collective.

Whittlesea Food

Collective