2021 | Issue 11

TERM 3 - UPCOMING EVENTS

30 July Schools Tree day

1 August National Tree day

16-22 August Keep Australia Beautiful Week

September National Biodiversity month

7 September National Threatened Species Day

20-26 September National Organic Week

22 September World Car-Free Day

FACE LIFT FOR GATE 5

Following on from the efforts of Enviroservice volunteers, Sustainability Leaders and Year 10 Environmental Science students in May who planted out the west garden bed adjacent to the Gate 5 entrance on Queens Rd, new volunteers together with Sustainability Leaders, continued in the final weeks of Term 2 to complete the garden bed to the east of the entrance. Students applied themselves in an industrious manner to remove one metre of existing mulch, prior to the introduction of two metres of blended soil, followed by the planting of two species, Lomandra Little Con (Lomandra confertifolia) and Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum). The recent rain has been a blessing, enabling the new plants a wonderful opportunity to establish well in their new setting.

INCREASED BIODIVERISTY

One positive outcome resulting from less activity in the College grounds during this semester, has been a noted increase in the level of biodiversity, in particular with increased numbers of birdlife and varying species. In addition to a pair of Willy Wagtail finding their new residence in the B Block vicinity, a lone Ibis has become a regular, parading the bus set down in the afternoons. O'Driscol Oval has proven to be a feeding haven for a flock of Galahs and pair of Corellas. Eastern Rosellas have been sighted on Zampatti Oval and the Year 10 eating area has been graced with the presence and beautiful singing of the Rufus Whistler. Regular sightings of Mudlark, Magpie and Raven have also been noted around the College grounds. With new indigenous shrubs establishing on the north embankment of Aphrasia Oval and south embankment of Carey oval, we are hoping to attract smaller species to the area, including the Superb Fairy Wren.

PLASTIC FREE JULY

As the use of plastic has become ubiquitous in our society, the notion of "Plastic Free July" stands as a reminder for all to take note of our actions and challenge ourselves to take action and adopt more sustainable practices. Over the last month, our College has recycled the equivalent of 11 x 240L bins of soft plastic to Coles, to be recycled through the REDcycling program. In addition to the collection of 2 x 240L bins of E Waste and 2 bales of Polystyrene by GDP Industries, we also diverted the equivalent of 2 x 240L bins of aluminium cans from landfill by recycling them at Transformer Metals, North Geelong, generating further funds to contribute to our donation to the Cancer Council. Whilst the recycling process and subsequent contribution to a circular economy is an important factor in reducing waste to landfill and in our oceans, a far greater option would be to reduce demand for the production of plastic, simply by refusing to purchase plastic wrapped items. We encourage all families to support our CUT THE WRAP initiative and adopt a "wrap free" approach to making school lunches.

For more information regarding recycling plastic by the City of Greater Geelong, visit the following website;

https://geelongaustralia.com.a...

Our temporary recycling regime during this time of COVID restrictions is outlined below.

FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

To minimise waste in the school, students should bring a “waste free” lunch and reusable water bottle (filled) to school each day.
Waste from canteen food orders should be recycled according to the guidelines below.

(Note several changes due to City of Greater Geelong renewed Recycling Guidelines).

Temporary removal of compost buckets from the yard necessities the placement of food waste directly into a general waste bin (maroon lid).

HYGIENE

Students and staff to sanitise hands upon entry to class. Paper recycling bins should be utilised for used paper towel only.
Students to manage their own paper recycling. Paper recycling bins are located in the library.
Wash hands with soap (located at amenities) before/after eating and/or touching bins.

CALLING FOR PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS AND BREAD CLIPS

If you have been collecting plastic bottle tops (numbers 2 & 4) in support of the VCAL student's recycling endeavours and bread tags to support the "Bread Tags for Wheelchairs" project, WASHED ITEMS ONLY may now be delivered to the Reception of either campus. Please note that donated items are stored untouched for a period of time before undergoing a secondary wash cycle, before being utilised by students for recycling purposes.