Earth Hour

On the last day of Term 1, the Environmental Action Leaders took action for Earth Hour by creating a chalk mural in the courtyard during recess. Students were encouraged to draw an outline of their hand around the Earth to show their support and raise awareness for the global “no-power hour” which was due to be held the following Saturday. “Power-less Period Five” was also encouraged, whereby teachers led their classes without artificial light, air conditioning, laptops or projectors. Well done to everyone who got involved.

Sustainability Noticeboard

Over the past couple of weeks, the Environmental Action Leaders have been putting together the Sustainability Noticeboard, which can be found on the colonnade opposite the flagpole. The noticeboard shows photographs from some of the activities that our Sustainability Team have completed over the past couple of weeks and some infographics about global sustainability. The noticeboard also provides opportunity for everyone to have their say in how our school can work towards achieving the Laudato Si’ Sustainability Goals. We encourage all students and staff to check out the noticeboard and contribute their ideas.

Planting the Seed Project

Planting the Seed Project is a collaboration between Eco Warriors Australia, Ecology and Restoration Australia, Kingston Council and Kilbreda College. The program gives students the opportunity to restore an area of degraded native vegetation along the Mentone Foreshore. The aim of the project is to improve students’ understanding of the activities needed to enhance local biodiversity and give them a direct understanding of the actions needed to protect our environment.

This year, students have experimented growing cuttings and seeds collected from the site on Mentone Foreshore. The cuttings were taken from a variety of species and were grown on three different soil mixes. While we didn’t have much success growing the cuttings, two species were more successful and the soil mix did not have a observable effect.

Our Planting Day was a huge success on 19 April. The Year 9 Environmental Science students and the Environmental Action leaders from Years 8 to 12 spent three hours planting 650 seedlings at our site on the Mentone Foreshore. A mix of grasses, ground covers, herb and shrub species were planted – all local native species. Plant protectors were installed to give the seedlings the best chance of surviving. We will

continue to monitor the site.

Sarah Avitabile and Emily Ahern
Sustainability Leaders