Sustainability

Newham Primary School hosts ResourceSmart Macedon region network meeting

This week the Newham Primary School sustainability leaders, Freya, Leo, Lewis and Sophie, with support from and Libby Fullard, hosted the term 2 Sustainability Victoria ResourceSmart network meeting. The meeting was also facilitated by our region's ResourceSmart Debbie Rovere, who provides support to ResourceSmart schools, and who also pointed out that Newham Primary School is the only 5-star ResourceSmart school in the Macedon Ranges area!

Our sustainability leaders started the morning with an Acknowledgement of Country and a welcome to Newham Primary School. Eight ResourceSmart schools from the Macedon region attended; up to four students with a teacher from each school. There were a mix of primary and secondary students from years 3 to 11. The students all prepared presentations, talking about sustainability initiatives in their schools. It was incredibly inspiring to hear what these young people are doing, and to see their passion for the projects they are doing and the systems they have put in place to make their schools more sustainable. Many of the schools have been sharing ideas and engaging with the wider community. It was also great to see the support the students receive from teachers dedicated to sustainability.

The Newham Primary School leaders were the last to present, talking about Newham Primary School's sustainability practices and initiatives. Lewis spoke about energy saving and being waterwise. Freya shared information about all our biodiversity projects and involvement with Newham District Landcare Group. Sophie covered the topics of community engagement and sustainability in our curriculum at NPS. Lastly, Leo talked about waste reduction and our school leadership in sustainability by our peer teaching over the years through Kids Teaching Kids and other events. 

As Hanging Rock hid behind low cloud, the group toured the school where Libby Fullard and the sustainability leaders showed examples of what we do at Newham Primary School and elaborated on some of our sustainable features and systems. There were several comments about the beautiful grounds and location of Newham Primary School. 

The sustainability leaders showed amazing leadership throughout, presenting confidently and listening respectfully. Well done leaders! 

A morning like this and the success of our projects wouldn't be possible without the enthusiastic support from our principal, Simone Wood. Also a huge thank you to Narelle for setting up the room for the meeting and preparing the great morning tea. So very much appreciated. Also, a mention about the amazing rescue job Chris Wiseman did on the morning of the network meeting, when he noticed that our main compost bin had been pulled apart by some hungry critter. He promptly cleaned up the mess, put it back together and secured it, all before the school tour. Thanks Chris.

Frog pond revamp on the horizon

Our next project we are undertaking is a revamp of the frog pond. Throughout the warmer months earlier this year, the sustainability leaders ensured the pond's water level was maintained by regularly filling it up. During this time they discovered that the water was running out the back of the pond so we could never keep it at a suitable depth. The pond also lacks shade in Summer.

The intention of the revamp is to provide deeper water for the frogs to breed in and to prevent it from heating up so much in Summer, to create a bog area around the pond, and to plant some trees for shade.

Lyn from Sunbury Bunnings visited today to speak with the sustainability leaders about what they thought was needed in regards to sustainability projects. The leaders explained the situation with the frog pond and Lyn is going to see what she can provide for us in the way of ponds.

We also hope to complete the wall mosaic that Covid delayed.

If you are interested in being involved in this great project, please let Libby or Chris Wiseman know.