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Education Programs - Primary

Education programs in schools play a vital role in achieving long-term attitudinal and behavioural change to water and the way we use it. This category is open to schools and organisations that have developed and are delivering water conservation programs.

Congratulations to our winner, Tooradin Primary School

EducationPrograms-Primary

WINNER


Tooradin Primary School

"Students are empowered by their contribution to the water-saving practices at Tooradin Primary School," said Miss Kristie Young, Tooradin Primary School Environmental Coordinator

Tooradin Primary School has always been focused on the environment and actively involved in sustainable and energy efficient practices. It is a fully accredited Sustainable School, a Planet Saver School, the recipient of a Bronze Accreditation in the Water Learn It! Live It! Program and a finalist in the Resource Smart Schools awards. It is one of only 20 schools in Australia to be involved in the Carbon Sink School program.

One of the many projects the school has developed is the water wise garden. The garden has more than 2,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses, which are self sufficient and completely dependent upon the natural rainfall for water. In addition to the garden, Tooradin Primary School has assigned water monitors in each classroom to ensure water is used wisely and that all taps are completely turned off.

As a successful applicant of the Federal Government Water Grant Round One, Tooradin Primary School has been able to install tanks to collect roof water to use for the flushing of toilets and the watering of vegetable gardens.

Tooradin Primary School, through its many water conservation initiatives, has managed to save a total of 570,000 litres of water in one year.

Judges’ comment: We felt that Tooradin Primary School’s hands-on daily involvement of students showed exceptional effort to change behaviour into the future. The school’s effort to involve the entire community is commendable.



FINALIST


Bentleigh West Primary School

“The whole school community is thrilled to be a finalist in this prestigious water award as it validates our commitment to water education and conservation practices,” said Jennifer Small, Bentleigh West Primary School Principal.

Bentleigh West Primary School’s commitment to water education and conservation has seen the school save approximately 1ML of water in two years. The school’s daily efforts to save water have been recognised through achievement of Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative status, a Gold Accreditation in the Water Learn It! Live It! Program and being a finalist and winner in a number of environmental competitions.

Bentleigh West Primary School has integrated environmental sustainability into the curriculum, and as a result all students (from prep to grade six) are exposed to water education programs. As well as educating the students, the school has undertaken several projects to inform the wider community about water conservation. For example, students have been able to voice their opinions and ideas through presentations and appearances at the 2006-2008 Yarra River Conference, the 2007 International River Health Conference, the 2007 Resource Smart Awards, a local radio station, school newsletter and website, Channel 9 Today Show, and Channel Ten News.

Feedback from Bentleigh West Primary School’s numerous forums and presentations has been extremely positive, with participants believing the school’s programs have contributed immensely to the education of the wider community in water-saving activities.

Judges’ comments: Bentleigh West Primary School’s efforts to educate the community and other school groups was admirable, especially the students’ involvement in presentations and conferences - their daily efforts were also notable.