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Sustainable Schools
ResourceSmart Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative Victoria (AuSSI Vic)
Whitehorse City Council is supporting a number of local schools to participate in the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic Framework.
AuSSI Vic is a sustainability education framework for primary and secondary schools in Victoria. It provides a holistic approach to sustainability through learning modules that embed sustainability throughout school operations, curriculum and whole school engagement. AuSSI Vic goes beyond mere awareness raising, to strategy planning, and on to action and environmental leadership.
The program consists of a core module – Schools Becoming Sustainable – and four resource modules (waste, energy, biodiversity and water) that schools can complete over time in whichever sequence suits them. A mentor from CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) is assigned to the school for the duration of the school year to assist the school to undertake the program and give tailored advice and assistance.
The AuSSI Vic program is partially funded by Sustainability Victoria, with Council providing funds for the balance of the cost so local schools can participate without further expense.
The nine schools participating in the program this year are: Burwood Heights Primary School, Nunawading Christian College Primary School, St Luke the Evangelist School, St Francis Xavier Primary School, Wattle Park Primary School, Blackburn Lake Primary School, Orchard Grove Primary School, Box Hill North Primary School and Vermont South Special School.
Many of the 10 Whitehorse schools that took part last year will now move to another module in 2011 to learn more about energy, water, waste or biodiversity.
Schools that reach 5-star certification in the program have demonstrated continuous improvement in 'Awakening', 'Discovering', 'Transforming', 'Sustaining' and 'Leadership'.
Schools aim to achieve targets and benchmarks such as:
- Reducing waste to landfill by 70 per cent
- Reducing water use by 40 per cent
- Reducing energy use by 25 per cent
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent
- Increasing biodiversity (habitat quality) by 50 per cent and reducing environmental weeds by 60 per cent.
For more information on the program, visit www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_educators_2439.html
Teacher Environment Network (TEN)
The Teacher Environment Network provides an opportunity for teachers to come together to discuss issues around environmental education and implementing sustainability initiatives within the school. It also provides professional development opportunities through guest speakers, workshops and school tours.
Facilitated by the Whitehorse City Council's Education Program Officer and Sustainability Officer, the Network meets regularly to stay in touch with council initiatives and environmental events within the municipality and in the wider community.
Teachers, integration aides, support staff and principals are welcome to join the network. All education providers in Whitehorse, including those from Catholic, independent, special, state and pre-schools are invited to attend.
The network provides a forum for local teachers to share project ideas, project successes and challenges, network with and meet like-minded local teachers, learn what environmental programs are available to schools and have on-going peer support.
Typically, network members take turns to host the meetings. This is a valuable opportunity to 'show and tell' what is happening around schools in Whitehorse.
Regular email updates provide members with information about professional development opportunities, grant programs and other information.
Teacher Environment Network (TEN) Meeting Dates for 2011
Term 1: Wednesday 2 March
Term 2: Thursday 12 May and Wednesday 15 June
Term 3: Thursday 28 July and Wednesday 7 September
Term 4: Thursday 3 November
For more information or to be added to our mailing list, please contact Jacquie Green, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Education Program Officer, on 9262 6211 or email Jacquie.Green@whitehorse.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, contact Katrina Hawkins, Sustainability Officer, on 9262 6159 or email katrina.hawkins@whitehorse.vic.gov.au