Sustainabilty is schools golden rule Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au A “WHOLE of school approach” has helped St Louis de Montfort’s Primary School in Aspendale become a finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards. The judges praised the school’s work in leading the way in the sustainable education program, which focuses on sustainability around the school and local area as part of the curriculum. The school has made it through to the last three in its category. St Louis de Montfort’s is proud of its achievements in creating what it says is a “one-of-a-kind educational program and sustainable precinct that supports a whole school approach to developing active environmental citizens”. Pupils can immerse themselves in hands-on learning directly related to the curriculum through their “garden to kitchen” program in their sustainability precinct, at local wetlands and down the beach. Julie Wynne, a teacher at the school for 14 years, heads the sustainability program and is proud of how they have melded it with all other subjects. “We focus on linking it with the whole curriculum,” she said. “It is integral to all the pupils’ learning. “For example, in maths, the pupils may be learning about weights, so they will take the topic to the garden and measure the weight of waste being produced, or the weight of produce in a given area. “Then they will write about it and present it as part of their class work.” Ms Wynne said the school garden helped pupils create topics relevant to
their studies. “One boy chose to write about worm farms; he did his own research by reading about them, then wrote a report and presented it to class. He followed this up by writing newsletters about the garden and the worms found there. “Another made herbicide by squashing bugs and reading up about what plants would be protected from insects. Another collected water from the pond and analysed what animal life lived in the water – especially the frogs.” Cooking with vegetables grown in the kitchen garden is a favourite, with the pupils responding to requests from their teacher for half a cup of this, a quarter of a cup of that, and then what temperature the food should be cooked at. The children love the creativity and sense of purpose from planting, tending, growing and then harvesting the produce – as well as discussing their roles and how things could be improved – and then writing about it afterwards. Having ducks, geese and rabbits improves their animal husbandry techniques. “It’s all real life learning,” Ms Wynne said. The school developed the program which it is tweaking and modifying as improvements are identified. Other links to sustainability include having walk-to-school days, ride-toschool days, Clean up Australia Day, paper recycling days and composting days. Ms Wynne, named teacher of the year for her role in the sustainability program, praised the school community – and particularly principal Tom
Learning through nature: Pupils Nathan and Skye at St Louis de Montfort’s Primary School’s sustainability garden earlier this year. Picture: Gary Sissons
Lindeman – for getting the popular program up and running. “It’s certainly not just about me,” she said. Now in their 12th year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards celebrate efficient use of water, resources and energy, better waste management and recycling practices, the enhancement of the environment and effective, practical community action.
In addition to the nine category awards, Premier Denis Napthine will choose two overall winners: the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award and the Premier’s Recognition Award. Winners will be announced on Thursday 2 October at The Peninsula, Docklands. Tickets are available at sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au until Wednesday 24 September.
Kingston back in the zone Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au FEARS Kingston could be opened up to overdevelopment appear to have eased with council set to retain its oversight of planning applications. The News can reveal Planning Minister Matthew Guy has accepted an independent advisory committee’s advice on Kingston Council’s new residential zones submission to the state government as part of its Plan Melbourne proposals. “Kingston is now empowered for the next steps in implementing the reformed residential zones,” he said. Kingston Council had requested
more than 75 per cent of the region be included in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone which “protect and maintain liveability and neighbourhood character”. Single and two-storey homes to a maximum height of eight metres can be built in the NRZ. There had been concern the state government would effectively take the residential planning process out of council’s hands when it became apparent Kingston’s request had not been approved. In June, 39 Victorian councils received approval for their revamped zoning schmes, providing “certainty” for development applications. However, Kingston was among 24
municipalities subjected to “a neutral conversion” until a final state government decision was made. The government’s independent Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee advised Mr Guy to give Kingston Council another chance to develop its future housing policy. “Rather than rush to put in place a zoning structure that neither council nor the community has seen before, I have accepted the independent committee’s recommendations,” Mr Guy said. Kingston Council now has the opportunity to select those areas it wishes to preserve and possibly nominate areas for higher-density housing. “I encourage Kingston Council to
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consider the independent advisory committee’s report, and take the time to conduct further research and consult with local residents and businesses on the right zoning for Kingston’s liveable suburbs,” Mr Guy said. Mr Guy said the Highett Gasworks site will be zoned Residential Growth “as per local policy”. Kingston Council CEO John Nevins said planning controls in place until the new residential zones are applied “essentially maintained the status quo”. Mr Guy said the state government aimed to promote “high density housing in Melbourne’s central city area” to take population pressure off “our quieter suburbs”.
Art show helps ABOUT $5000 was raised at the Kingston Art Show, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of local artists and art lovers. Around 260 works were displayed at the art show held in August at Woodlands Golf Club, with all sales proceeds going to the Kingston Charitable Fund - HeART. Money raised by the fund is invested and the interest earned given back to the community in the form of grants. Since it was established in 2007, the fund has distributed more than $300,000 to about 40 charities in the community. Kingston mayor Cr Paul Peulich said the HeART art show, run in conjunction with Aspendale Rotary Club, was an important annual fundraiser, as well as a popular event for art lovers. “I would like to thank all the volunteers who help make the HeART of Kingston art show a reality every year, especially the Aspendale Rotary Club which works tirelessly to ensure a diverse mix of art is on display,” he said. “I’d also like to thank Lowe Constructions and Woodlands Golf Club for their ongoing support of the show, as well as the students of Parkdale Secondary College, for helping to put it all together.” The charitable fund is also supported by an annual gala dinner to be held on Friday 3 October. Tickets are $130 and fund coordinators are seeking auction donations. To donate to the Kingston Charitable Fund, or to apply for a grant, call Morgan Henley on 9581 4916 or email morgan.henley@kingston.vic. gov.au
Child care ENROLMENTS for 2015 kindergarten and child care are now open for Kingston Council’s brand new, state-of-the-art family and children’s centres in Parkdale and Edithvale. The Parkdale and Edithvale Family and Children’s Centres offer child care, kindergarten and maternal and child health services, as well as other community-based programs, such as playgroups and parent groups. Construction is soon to be completed on the $12.5 million family and children’s centres to make it easy for families to get the support they need from a range of services. Go to www.kingston.vic.gov.au/ enrol, download an enrolment form and send it to Kingston City Council Family, Youth and Children’s Services Enrolment Officer PO Box 1000 Mentone, 3194 Email enrol@kingston.vic.gov.au or call 9581 4831.
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 17 September 2014
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