2023 | ISSUE 18 | SJC Newsletter

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

VCEVM ECOLOGY PROJECTS

Over the past month, VCEVM students have worked industriously during Personal Development classes, to help bring various gardening projects at the Edmund Rice campus to fruition. Commencing with the Carey Embankment project, students were involved in planting out various grasses and shrubs on the west side of this new Sport Complex. The removal of invasive species from this area throughout the year, paved the way for a new landscape, comprising of a variety of indigenous flora species including; Rock Correa (Correa glabra), Sweet Busaria (Bursaria Spinosa), Tussock Grasses (Poa Labillardierei) and Kangaroo Apple (Solanum laciniatum). Over subsequent weeks students returned to this garden area to continue tree-planting, implement tree guards where needed and conduct general maintenance of the area. The second project involved the introduction of 19 new tree ferns and bird nest ferns (Asplenium Australasicum) into the “Otways” garden, followed with a fresh layer of mulch. The final project involved tree guarding, mulching and maintenance of the Reconciliation Garden. I would like to thank Mr Will Newton and all students involved for their efforts and conduct.

NEW EDITION EDDIE COIN

On Tuesday 31 October, during a lunchtime Enviroservice workshop, students engaged in creating the first “Batch” of the new edition Eddie Coin. Incepted by student leader Luke Stacey earlier in the year, the new initiative involved inducting a select group of students to the safe use of the Injection Moulding Machine and collaboration to determine the colours for the second edition of “Eddie Coin”. The new edition of Eddie Coin sports our St Joseph’s colours; red, yellow and black!

FOOD COMPOSTING

In recent weeks, our food composting regime has made a comeback thanks to the efforts of students from 8C and 8F. Commencing with food waste from the staffroom, the initiative involves students from one Year 8 homeroom becoming responsible to compost food waste over a period of three weeks, by utilising a worm farm and bokashi composting system. At the conclusion of this period, the responsibility then transfers to another Year 8 homeroom. I wish to thank the students involved from 8C and 8F this term, for their care and diligence undertaking these duties.

CASH FOR RECYCLABLES

In anticipation of the implementation of the Cash Deposit Scheme across Victoria on 1 November, the introduction of a “Recyclables” bin in the junior levels eating areas, has been trialled this term, commencing with the collection of Aluminium cans. With many new opportunities now provided through the implementation of the CDS Vic to recycle particular items, we will continue to review and develop our regime for the collection of streamlined recyclables.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

VICTORIA’S CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME

There is no denying that the implementation of the Cash Deposit Scheme across Victoria on 1 November, provides a wonderful opportunity to streamline our recycling efforts with the incentive for cash or voucher rewards, or alternately, a donation to a selected Charity. In relation to the scheme, two of the most prevailing questions from students have been; What can be recycled and where can we recycle them?

According to the CDS Website, many aluminium, glass, plastic and liquid paperboard (carton) drink containers between 150mL and 3 litres are eligible. Containers must have the 10c sign and readable barcodes. Tips: Lids may be left on and containers should not be crushed.

There are various methods for recycling including; Recycling depots, Reverse Vending (RVM) Machines and over the Counter Returns (OTC). To find out more regarding eligible containers, refund point types and locations nearest to your home, visit the Victoria Container Deposit Scheme site at; https://cdsvic.org.au/

For more information regarding local Recycling Depot, Recycle for Change, 116 Furner Avenue Bell Park, visit their website at; https://recycle4change.com.au/

Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator