Newham Primary School is continuing to kick sustainability goals and has been short-listed for Victoria’s largest celebration of school volunteers taking sustainability action.
As one of 22 schools in contention for the title of ResourceSmart School of the Year, Newham Primary School has been recognised for its continued work in the sustainability sector.
In 2023, the school participated in and hosted teacher network meetings and contributed to developing the Department of Education’s Sustainability in Schools Policy.
It joined the container deposit scheme and implemented a smart bin system, reducing the community’s landfill generation.
The school campus also features a wetland and biodiversity outdoor learning area, creating a rich learning environment for the school’s 53 motivated students.
Sustainability teacher Libby Fullard said she was really excited to find out the school had been shortlisted.
“We teach sustainability as a specalised subject which is unusual,” Ms Fullard said.
“Every school has specialist subjects and we choose it as we think it’s important, and we can teach other parts of the curriculum under the umbrella of sustainability.
“The fact that we focus on sustainability ties together the different topics we study in the classroom. They learn how waste impacts biodiversity … [and] draw connections between things.
“It’s so important for them to understand that the work they do now at school in sustainably will impact them and the environment in the future.”
With the theme of legendary legacies, Sustainability Victoria’s director regions and community action Katie Pahlow said it is a celebration of the outstanding work achieved.
“These schools are not only making a difference now but they’re leaving a legacy for the next generation through their sustainability endeavours,” she said.
“The ResourceSmart Schools Awards is an opportunity to recognise the tremendous achievements of the teachers, students, school staff and the wider community who are creating a sustainable future.”
This year’s winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 4. Details: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resourcesmart-schools-awards-2024-finalists
