PAPER

SINCE 2012, THE COLLEGE HAS USED PAPERCUT MF TO TRACK ALL OF ITS PRINTER USAGE INCLUDING HOW MANY PAGES ARE PRINTED AND WHO PRINTS THEM.

Using the online platform provided by Papercut MF, each person can view their own paper use and the College can generate reports to see the busiest printers and users in the College.

In 2021, we replaced all toilet paper and hand towel stations so that they only allow 1-2 pieces of paper at a time. This has significantly reduced paper use in our bathrooms.

PRINTED PAGES (MILLIONS)

Printed pages have decreased dramatically since 2019. This can be attributed to COVID restrictions and an increasing number of students using online resources through devices rather than hardcopy textbooks. In 2022 there was an increase in paper use. While it may not be as much as expected it is still a resource which could be dramatically reduced.

Gardens And Grounds

FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS, BEACONHILLS COLLEGE HAS CREATED AN EDUCATION FACILITY WITH A COMPLEMENTARY LANDSCAPE. IN RECENT YEARS, EDUCATION HAS SHIFTED TO BEING MORE COLLABORATIVE AND HANDS-ON, WHICH IS WHY BEACONHILLS IS DEDICATED TO ENHANCING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR ITS STUDENTS.

In 2022 the College completed works across both campuses to improve the green spaces available for students. More outdoor classroom spaces are developing to encourage outdoor learning, and vegetable gardens are maintained and constantly harvested. Development of our vegetable gardens is at an all-time high with a new glasshouse at the Pakenham Campus, mirroring the hothouse at the Berwick Campus Year 9 garden.

Community garden

It is important that students enjoy the benefits of healthy organic produce and also learn where food comes from. We value fresh, locally grown produce over imported varieties and rely on local businesses to provide us with seasonal produce for our ever-changing Canteen menu.

Students have worked in the community garden building new gardens beds over 2022 as part of their Industry & Enterprise subject with the help of teacher Jeff Porter and gardens and grounds staff.

A new hothouse has been installed, along with a tool shed and all garden beds were very productive throughout 2022. Beaconhills hopes to use this space to engage more students in 2023 with a new program called ‘I Can Grow Food’, learning about food systems and food insecurity in the local area.

Berwick Campus

• vegetable gardens including Australian native food plants at Year 9, food technology and Little Beacons.

• indigenous plantings including a student-led indigenous garden in front of the Year 9 building.

• a new line of gum trees planted along the railway line by a VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies class and by Beaconhills family/community members at a working bee

• bush explore space for Little Beacons.

Pakenham Campus

• herb garden at the Canteen

• vegetable garden at food technology and Year 9

• large community garden along the southern fenceline of the College.

• indigenous gardens, including the Year 9 wetland area and around the Founders Gazebo.

• a shade avenue of fruit trees, planted by Year 7 RAVE students as a part of an environmental stewardship program, and Beaconhills family/community members at a working bee

• pond project started for completion mid-2023

• mature trees planted along the new bus loop, donated by Kilby Park Tree Farm.

Little Beacons

Little Beacons centres at both Berwick and Pakenham have incorporated an Early Explorers Program into their fortnightly routine. Staff take the four and five year olds out to explore the campus facilities and outdoor spaces, visiting bush gardens and vegetable gardens, taking part in harvesting food and bringing it back to the Little Beacons kitchen for eating.

The pond at Pakenham

In 2022 the pond was rejuvenated over the winter holidays to remove weeds and goldfish. It now has grass planted around it and a viewing platform installed for students to use as a learning space. A variety of indigenous plants will be planted in 2023 to create a frog habitat and encourage species such as the endangered Growling Grass Frog to breed.

A $50,000 state government grant has also helped create the natural bush kinder area, used by children in the centre’s Early Explorers Program. It contains wetlands, woodlands, open pasture and indigenous plants.

The centre itself is an extraordinary example of a high quality, early learning facility and mirrors Little Beacons at the College’s Pakenham Campus.

Rated as ‘exceeding’ in all seven areas of the National Quality standards, its features include 122 solar panels, water tanks for flushing toilets and garden upkeep and, beeattracting plants.

This area will become an extra outdoor classroom for students in Prep to Year 12, and also an area for Little Beacons children to visit as a part of their Early Explorers experience.