Caring For Our Environment

2020 is the International Year of the Plant. We are constantly reminded of the role that the environment plays in our future and the drastic consequences that occur when it is neglected. With the recycling of organic waste occurring at the College, the next step in the process of lowering our environmental footprint will be a continuing focus on the collection of recyclable material and the lessening of waste going to landfill. At assemblies, our conversations continue to promote custodianship of the land and the consequences of its mis-management. We also continue to promote the use of the segregated bin systems located throughout the primary campus.

Our Year 5 Champions for Change group, led by Mrs Luanne Pollard, are promoting the sustainable message by encouraging students to cut down on single use plastics and to use our recycling and green waste bins appropriately.

I encourage parents to consider this when preparing food for their children’s lunches and morning teas. There are alternatives for replacing much of the plastic used in lunches. Although the use of paper bags is not ideal, paper is certainly preferable to plastic. Re-usable food containers and water bottles are great substitutes for plastic. Stainless steel cutlery can also be used instead of plastic ones.

Developing a social culture of sustainability and environmental awareness begins in childhood. As a school, we can help students grow into adults who have an awareness of what it means to have environmental sustainability by involving students in the practical application of such a philosophy and practicing simple forms of waste management and recycling. Individually we may perceive our actions make only a slight difference or are pointless, collaboratively when we have the knowledge and understanding to change the way we act as a community, the impact can be immense.

Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival

Prep – Year 2 students have been busily preparing for their Athletics Carnival, which will be held on Monday 31st August. With restrictions still in place, parents are unable to attend. However, the College will create a highlights video that will be shared on Facebook and in the newsletter, so that parents can still be a part of the day. We thank Mr Darren Hooper, Mrs Natalie Campbell and the P-2 staff for their planning and engagement in the day.

Year 5 Parking and Water Bottles

We thank you for the way families are continuing to work with the College for student pick up and drop off. We extend an invitation for parents of Year 5 students to use the carpark available at the end of the 3-12 carpark and encourage their children to walk to this space for collection. At present, there are numerous spaces empty in the afternoon and utilising these spaces would help alleviate some of the congestion in the drop-off zone.

Students are also reminded to bring a clearly named, filled water bottle of at least 1L and up to 2L that provides sufficient water for the day to school. Water filler stations are turned on, as per government advice but students are strongly encouraged to bring enough water for the day.

Take care and God bless.

Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5