SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

ENVIROSERVICE

On Wednesday 15 March, our first Enviroservice for the year, was conducted afterschool at the Edmund Rice Campus. With a great turn out of volunteers (and representation from most year levels), the crew worked tirelessly to plant out and mulch a new garden bed near Gate 4 Queens Road, followed by an upgrade of the garden beds at the Gate 5 entrance. The workshop culminated with mulching and pruning at the Reconciliation Garden. Continuing the theme from Gate 5, the flora species planted included; Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum) and Lomandra Little Con (Lomandra confertifolia). In a combined ecological effort, Phil Hunter and Ellie Brundt from Wild Places were also present on the day, to plant over 90 new indigenous flora species on the Aphrasia St embankments. Species planted included; Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis); Common boobialla(Myoporum insulare), Gold dust wattle (Acacia acinacea), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) and Sticky Hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa).

NATIONAL RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY

I was wonderful to see the bicycle racks full and overflowing on Friday 24 March, as we celebrated National Ride to School Day. For many riders, it was their first time riding their bicycles to school, negotiating traffic and timing. Whilst most riders lived within a 5-7km radius of the collective school grounds, I would like to mention the Fisher brothers, Jordan and Kodi, who rode over 10km to school. Congratulations to all riders for their engagement and efforts in reducing carbon footprint. We encourage all students that live within close proximity to the school, to consider riding on a regular basis. Over the Christmas break, several bicycle racks have been upgraded. To gauge further level of interest, a survey will be sent to all students at the commencement of Term 2, to inform our future direction in relation to the implementation of further bicycle storage.

EASTERN BEACH CLEAN UP

With the impending Earth Hour on the evening of Saturday 25 March, several St Joseph’s students seized the opportunity to embark on an “Earth Hour” of a different kind, by participating in the Eastern Beach Clean Up early that morning, facilitated by volunteers from the 3220 Beach Patrol Geelong group. Working from the East end adjacent to the promenade, the Clean Up extended toward Limeburner’s point. With the weather on our side, we were able to work productively to clean the rubbish, largely left from social events and picnics. With sensational views and only one hour duration, the clean up seemed to be over in a heart-beat. I thoroughly recommend this activity for students seeking an opportunity to gain one Service Learning hour.

SWITCH OFF HOUR

On Tuesday 28 March, St Joseph’s College engaged in a “Switch Off” hour, following Earth Hour on 25 March. Utilising our new “Ubi” energy production and consumption capture software (installed by Mondo Power), all members of our community were able to view out energy consumption reduce, as we commenced our switch off hour. A special mention to Westcourt staff and students for almost reaching a “carbon neutral” status for the hour. The data captured on the day will provide valuable baseline date for the implementation of future energy reduction strategies.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

RIPPLESIED BEACH CLEAN UP – SATURDAY 22 APRIL - SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

The 3220 Beach Patrol Geelong group have scheduled a one-hour beach “Clean-up”, commencing at 9.00am on Saturday 22 April.

Volunteers are to meet at the Anchor at 9.00am. The clean up will extend east to Limeburner’s Point, west to the Ferris Wheel and south to the Hearne St Car Park. Reusable bags and claws will be supplied. Participants are to bring their own gloves.

For more information and to register your interest, visit the 3220 Beach Patrol Group on Facebook.

Kelly Jenkins
Sustainability Coordinator