Sustainability and Environmental Education

Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School enjoys a holistic approach to environmental education which embeds and integrates the principles of sustainability, earth care and environmental education across our Uniots of Inquiry from Foundation to Year 6.  Corporate social responsibility is also a core component of the school’s strategic plan. This is reflective of our Lutheran beliefs of care for, and stewardship of God’s creation, as well as the Earth Care Charter of Lutheran Education Australia.

We are passionate about reducing our ecological footprint through adopting sustainable practices in our everyday lives. Through integrating sustainability across our curriculum and instilling a sense of ownership and pride in improving the environment, we aim to lead our local community through demonstrating exemplary practices in waste management, water and energy usage, and developing the school grounds to further promote biodiversity.

Some of the environmental initiatives which the school undertakes includes:

National Tree Day

Students have the opportunity to plant native seedlings annually. Older students are also able to enjoy an active leadership role supporting younger students in these initiatives.

Eco Corridor

The school master plan includes the development of a wildlife corridor integrated with nature play to reflect the initial environment of the site which would create continuity for the Cobbler Creek ecosystem.

Vegetable Garden

Students have the opportunity to be involved in vegetable garden sessions where they participate in the annual garden cycle of planting, weeding and harvesting of a range of biodynamic produce. A number of fruit trees, as well as our chickens, are found in the Eco area of the School. This cycle of growing produce and marketing it, both vegetables and eggs, also develops valuable entrepreneurship and business skills in students,

There is also a weekly Garden Club where students are able to engage with other like- minded students while they assist in garden activities.

Solar Panels

In an effort to reduce its carbon output, the School produces just under 50kWh of power through solar panels located on the some of our buildings.

Building Sustainability

Where possible, buildings have north-south orientation. Lighting in each room also have switches which enable staff to choose the amount of light needed. They are also on sensors, ensuring lights do not stay on when rooms are not in use. Air conditioners are on two hourly auto timers.

Recycling

Our school has a comprehensive recycling program. This deliberate waste management strategy assists greatly with the reduction of waste going to landfill.

We are developing a four bin recycling system with landfill, mixed recycling, food and organics, and 10 cent container deposit bins.

All classrooms, teaching spaces, and staff areas have paper recycling bins which are collected by students on a weekly basis.

10 cent Deposit Recycling

The School is developing a programme including 10 cent container deposit bins which can be sorted by students as part of an Eco Service Session where students both sort the 10 cent containers and also engage in a waste education and art activity. Money collected from this recycling program will be put towards student-led eco projects.

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