JUSTICE & SOLIDARITY
Sustainability In response to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si and his calling for all to “care for our common home”, Sir David Attenborough’s view suggests that “for people to care about the Natural World, they must first love and understand it”. The alternating Campus and home classroom setting throughout 2020, provided students the unique opportunity to connect with and learn about the natural world by witnessing the wildlife outside their windows and in their own backyard. In addition, it enabled students to develop their awareness and responsibility for sustainable practices in the home. Many students thrived with the new learning opportunities provided and student leaders including Lachlan Kelly, relished the opportunity to lead the way on climate action advocacy via a plethora of social media platforms. With an ongoing commitment to increasing biodiversity in the school, Year 10 Environmental Science and VITA students planted a variety of indigenous saltbush species and Gold Dust Wattle on the North and South embankments of Carey Oval. Year 7 Class Captains together with Senior Leaders, increased the biodiversity in the Restorative garden by introducing Rock Correa and Gold dust Wattle and Sustainability Leaders, together with VITA and ATSI students introduced indigenous food species into our new octagonal wicking bed planter boxes. Over 160 native trees were planted on the east embankment of Carey Oval, completing Stage 4 of the Cary Oval revegetation project. Some maintenance of Carey Oval embankments was conducted by students undertaking Enviroservice and new staff member George Devine (former student) and Raelene McMahon supported student initiatives by watering and maintaining various planter boxes throughout the College grounds. Other projects that came to fruition throughout the year included; the implementation of a REPLAS recycled bench seat, the launch of a our Polymer Recycling Station and the installation of a new hothouse at the Edmund Rice Campus. RECYCLED BENCH SEAT FROM REPLAS On Friday 14 February, Year 8 Sustainability leaders Damian Mohr and Lucas Powell led Year 7 students in thoughtful prayer as we commissioned our first recycled bench seat. Made by the Melbourne based company, REPLAS using approximately 20,000 pieces of recycled soft plastic, the bench seat show cases our commitment toward circular economy. The inclusion of an eagle in the back of the seat signifies the Wadawurrung people’s Creator Spirit - Bunjil.The new bench seat is located outside the Peter Chanel Centre, enabling students and staff to sit, reflect, take in the surroundings and admire “Bunjil’s creation”
“TAKE 3” With a little food incentive, students and staff alike were happy to volunteer and “Take 3” for the Sea to keep the school grounds clean during the Athletics Carnival on Friday 28 February. It was heartening to see so many students willingly participate and without instruction, cementing the notion that “Take 3” is becoming ubiquitous with the SJC culture. CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY On Sunday 1 March, volunteers across Australia, joined forces to remove rubbish from public areas including; parks, waterways, roadsides etc. Our SJC volunteers once again joined the Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek to clean up the embankments of the Waurn Ponds Creek near the shopping centre, baseball oval, skate park and swimming complex. Congratulations to the following families for their commitment and efforts throughout the morning; Elphinstone, Power, Saba, Salmon, and Sacred Heart families. POLYMER RECYCLING CENTRE LAUNCH On Thursday 11 July, Principal, Tony Paatsch, officiated the launch of the recently installed polymer reforming machinery together with special guest Ashley Pittard, Executive Officer, Barwon South West Waste and Resource Recovery Group, Year 11 VCAL students and several staff members. The machinery incorporating a CR Clarke Granulator and Sheet Press, together with a Vacuum Former (located in Systems Technology), will enable students to realise our goal of moving toward a circular economy, by reforming single use plastic items (including number 2 and 4 bottle tops) into creative, practical and purposeful new products, diverting them from a landfill or ocean destination. Staff members Ms Michelle Anderson and Ms Kate Wells facilitated the first Year 11 VCAL classes to utilise the machinery and Mr Shane Dawson’s Year 10 VITA students, together with staff members George Devine and Raelene McMahon worked behind the scenes, undertaking the bottle top sorting process. NATIONAL RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY Acknowledging the importance of carbon free travel and maintaining a physical lifestyle, the 2020 Sustainability Team held the National Ride to School Day on Friday 13 March. Building upon the success of the previous year, a total of 37 students rode their bikes to school- many receiving a free SJC water bottle and canteen voucher. Events like the National Ride to School Day highlight SJC’s commitment to promoting a sustainable future, as well as helping to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Matthew Issell, Year 12
Planting garden beds
Take 3 for the Sea
Recycled bench seat from REPLAS Polymer Recycling Centre
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