Teaching and Learning News

Sustainability learning and living at SMDP

In a papal encyclical letter "Laudato Si" ("Praised Be") Pope Francis declared that the science of climate change is clear and that the Catholic Church views climate change as a moral issue that must be addressed in order to protect the Earth and everyone on it.

We are a school community committed to looking after and caring for our environment. It is our responsibility to ensure that our practices at SMDP are environmentally sustainable. 

This year we engaged a sustainability consultant to work alongside Jess (sustainability  specialist teacher), Julie (waste and energy warrior leader) and Nell (gardening "earth" club leader) to ensure that at SMDP we are implementing the sustainable practices that will make a positive difference for our students' future. 

The three key areas we are focusing on are  infrastructure, curriculum practices, and initiatives, (such as plant a tree day and green week and gardening club). 

Our "earth club" is one way that we empower our students to learn about sustainable practices. All students are welcome to attend. This year we have learnt so much about growing seasons, climate regions and the growing needs of food plants. We have planted snow peas, broad beans, radish, cauliflower, raspberries and  herbs. 

Last week we used the vegetables we had grown to make corn fritters.  

Below is a copy of the recipe if you would like to try and make it at home. 

Teacher development in the specific area of Sustainability is very important to us. Last Friday Julie, Nell and Jess also attended the Steps in Sustainability conference. At this conference they learnt about creative ways to incorporate sustainability into the curriculum. 

The key message was to learn from nature and how being in nature improves our wellbeing.

They were inspired by the quality of the guest speakers. The ideas from a landscape architect provided creative ways to further enhance our school garden. The positive message of the Junk Yard Beats Group finished off the day on a high note with their energising music based on body percussion and instruments made from recycled items. 

We are determined to support our learners to be responsible and proactive citizens and leave our world a better place than when they inherited it.

Elise Coghlan

Co-Deputy Principal | Literacy & Numeracy Leader | Visible Learning Leader

Denise Kelly

Co-Deputy Principal | Learning & Teaching Leader