Sustainable Schools Program Overview
Since 2001, Jells Park Primary School has been a Pilot School for the Sustainable Schools Program. Unfortunately at the end of 2005, this Pilot Program concluded, however, we are very proud of what we have been able to achieve, and will continue to promote Sustainable practices. Each year we have had a focus on a particular area for this program, with last year being biodiversity. This resulted in a 10,000 litre rainwater tank being installed, over 100 native plants being planted during National Tree Day, more than 30 plants being planted along the Caulfield Grammar boundary, as well as the construction and implementation of 4 vegie patches. This year our focus will shift to energy, and we will be implementing a number of energy saving practices.
Some other interesting aspects of our program are listed below:
- There are 4 bins in each classroom. Rubbish bin, worm farm bin, plastic recycling bin and a paper recycling bin. We currently have two worm farm bins and are looking to purchase a further two.
- Rubbish Free Lunch Day every Wednesday where we encourage the students to bring as little rubbish as possible. Some classes record the number of students that have no rubbish for the day, others award house points or prizes to students that minimise their waste. Throughout the year the Environmental Captains will notify the school community of upcoming Rubbish Free Lunch Challenges. On these Wednesdays the Environmental Captains will ask each class how many pieces of rubbish they have for the day and then divide that by the number of students in each grade, to calculate the average waste per student in each grade. Prizes are then awarded to the winning grades!
- Most of the Vegie Patch is slowly dying so we will be replanting seeds etc. shortly. In the meantime it is interesting to see the Giant Sunflowers growing, along with the Marigolds and some of the vegies.
- We are awaiting a response on our Community Water Grant Proposal that would include the installation of several other water tanks that would provide water for student toilets.
- The 4 Star Sustainable Schools Award will be starting shortly to promote students and grades utilising Sustainable practices.
- Same as last year, we will be placing ice cream containers under drinking taps and then students empty them into nearby gardens when the water level reaches the black line.
