Environmental Council

Over the past term the Environmental Council has completed significant progress on our multiple ongoing projects, including successful management of our paper shredding initiative seeing paper now being used on the regenerative sites, expansion of the nursery, completion of the Tribe St regeneration area, and plans to see the 10c recycling initiative to begin next term.  Diligent work from members has seen the completion of regenerative work along Tribe St. with both new plants and mulching in place. With all the paper being collected from our recycling bins throughout the school being used as effective mulch for both the Tribe St. site, and the site along the creek behind the school to deter growth of weeds and foster the growth of our newly planted trees and grasses. Furthermore, the new expansion of the nursery, and greatly appreciated acquisition of new greenhouses and equipment has allowed us to focus on increasing the number of plants in the nursery and on-site, better appreciate and understand our local plant species, and work more efficiently than ever on our regenerative sites. A special thanks to all members who have been regularly working this term to allow significant progress on our Regeneration Projects and for the continued betterment of the internal and surrounding school environment. 

The 10c recycling initiative that has been in the works for sometime is finally going into action next term! The Environment Council will be attaching recycling bags to bins across the school grounds for 10c recycling collection. These bags will be collected fortnightly and all money raised from the recycling will go to the improvement of the school’s sustainability and environment, funding further projects and other council initiatives. For more information on these projects, and news relating to several new objectives we have in the works, make sure to keep an eye out on the Environmental Council’s Google Classroom and at our meetings!

If you are not already a member of the Environmental Council and would like to get involved, meetings are every Thursday at lunchtime. The team is always open to contributions to new or existing projects and ensures a welcoming environment for new and returning members! Upcoming events next term include:

• Regular periods in which our specific student groups in the school collect recycling bins from around the school for correct disposal or repurposing, paper shredding for mulch towards the Regeneration Project, and seed collection and planting at the regeneration area behind the oval. Speak to Mr. Nichols at one of our meetings if you would like to get involved in any of these groups.
• Guest speakers to discuss conservation, sustainability, and volunteer opportunities with members.
• Focus on seed collection, propagating, and planting for the creek site 
• New projects to be discussed in upcoming meetings!

To conclude, we would like to give special thanks to Mr Nichols, Mr Leu, and all members of the Environmental Council for their continued support of projects, meetings, and goals. A special further thanks to all members who have regularly volunteered and assisted with the work along Tribe St. site as your contribution has allowed the team to complete our aims in that area and see dramatic improvement in the site's vitality and suitability for native flora and fauna!

Marianne Flood - Environmental Council Publicity Officer