CAPTAIN'S CORNER
On the 26th of March, the whole school went to a presentation from a Cleanaway educator in the library about how we can reduce waste at Holy Cross. We learnt about the three R’s reduce, reuse and recycle, and about logos on the back of products, and what items went in appropriate bins.
We learnt:
- about what goes in the red bins including soft plastics, food waste, paper, food wrappers, coffee cups, straws and cutlery
- about landfill including digging a huge hole, putting the rubbish in and covering it up, the gases that come out like carbon dioxide and methane. They use pipes to get rid of the gases and create it into electricity
- that in Australia we will be running out of room for landfill in the next 10 years.
We interviewed some students from each class. Here are some of the things that the students learnt:
|
Kindy - Riley |
I learnt which rubbish goes in the right bin. |
|
Year 1 - Riley |
That different things go in different bins. |
|
Year 2 - Noah M |
I learnt how to reuse different things. |
|
Year 3 - Alyssa |
I learnt that if you have plastic, different types of plastic go in different bins. |
|
Year 4 - Mila |
I learnt about what your supposed to put in the right bin and the consequences if you don’t. |
|
Year 5 - Keira |
I learnt what I’m supposed to and not supposed to put in each bin. |
|
Year 6 - Evelyn K |
Before we went, I didn’t understand the symbols on the back of the products, but now I understand them and know how to use them. |
Evie and Eddie
Binwise (WEN TEAM REPORT)
In response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, we are called Ecological Conversion and to Care for our Common Home.
At Holy Cross,we are continually striving to improve and further develop and streamline a school-wide waste management system that is sustainable and part of everyday practice. Education and communication to students, staff and wider school community about the various environmental actions within the daily routine of the school is always promoted on a regular basis.The whole school is aware of and follows these actions. Environmental activities are being managed effectively and sustainably.
Holy Cross also:
- conducts whole school waste audits to raise awareness of what waste is currently being generated and recycled.
- promotes Waste Free Lunches across the school community to reduce the amount of packaging generated.
On the 26th March, Holy Cross participated in a CLEANAWAY incursion called Binwise to further support our ecological conversion. This Green initiative was funded by our recently acquired CEO Environmental Grant. As well as providing for an educational program, the grant funds will cover the cost of our newly purchased co-mingled bins.
Our Environmental Project Title for 2024 is called Co-mingled Recycling: Streamlining Waste Management at Holy Cross Helensburgh. It ties in with our SEMP II 2023 -2026 Action Plans.
This project addresses the areas listed through education and hands on activities: Holy Cross’ need to reduce the School’s Ecological Footprint
through the introduction of the following: REMONDIS Co-Mingled Recycling, battery recycling, greening of canteen, monitoring of energy and Waste Free Lunch Days.
Our presenter shared slides all about reducing, reusing, recycling. He explained how some of our waste is sorted by machines called Trommels and how some people also use the word refusing. Numerous explanations were given on how to use the new bins correctly. We highlighted what could and could not be placed into our new recycling bins. We also participated in some recycling bin sorting activities and quizzes. Some takeaway points were to use reusable keep cups, recycle more, avoid excess plastic packaging where possible, buy bulk packets of food/snacks instead of multipacks, compost food scraps and to use the correct recycling bins at all times.
Summary - So where to from now?
Our aim at Holy Cross is to reduce the amount of wrapping and packaging generated
by the school community and to encourage more environmentally friendly options for catering at school events and functions. We will strive to Include a monitoring of energy and encourage more awareness across the school community of sustainable practices.
Stay tuned for more Green Initiatives coming to Holy Cross.
Thank you for your support in caring for our common home,
Mrs.L.Barbuto and The Primary Student WEN Team.
Year 6: Jake, Elise,and Year 5 newly commissioned Eco-Ambassadors:Lee Adelaide, Florence and Alessandra.