By Callum Ludwig
Seville Primary School has been successful in the latest round of 2022 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants to support its new sustainability program.
The program started this year, and the grant can be to contribute toward sustainable food production, waste management practices or enhancing native habitats.
Prep teacher and Sustainability Coordinator Eliza Skate said each class has a dedicated sustainability lesson each week.
“The lessons range between in-classroom activities and hands-on outdoor stuff in the garden, with kids tending to our outdoor garden, weather permitting,” she said.
“It’s been going really well, the kids find it exciting and we’ve been cooking up meals with the projects we’ve harvested.”
Seville Primary School are the seventh successful recipient of the grant program in The Upper Yarra, which has previously been utilised at other schools for REDcycling, growing fruit and veg, Bush Tucker gardens, and composting.
Ms Skate said the students have really enjoyed the program, and the grant will go towards expanding it.
“We’re going to be making a senior school veggie patch, just because it’s getting so much use, we’ve already run out of room with what we have got, so we will put in three or four apple boxes and make garden beds out of that, with flowers to pollination as well,” she said.
“The kids really enjoy the hands-on elements, getting out with the hose and watering cans, and have enjoyed the harvesting process this term. We will be making hot chips for the school with out potatoes next week.”
About 1.3 billion tonnes of all food produced each year is currently being lost or wasted.
Ms Skate said she thinks it is so important to have these programs with the state of the planet.
“It’s really important kids learn about sustainable produce and growing, and they’re really interested in making changes to their environment,” she said.
“We’ve introduced four bins into each classroom across the school, and the kids have learned to sort their soft plastic, compost, landfill, and recycling and are fascinated by where landfill goes and motivated to make simple changes. They are teaching their parents and these kids are the future generation and they feel empowered to make the change which is really exciting.”
Kids really are encouraging parents to get on board, with one kind Dad even taking some of his on time to build a fence for the garden area.
Woolworths and Landcare Australia said they are highlighting the importance of taking action now to create a better, more sustainable future, by driving education and awareness among our next generation of eco warriors.
“We are committed to helping our communities grow their sustainable practices for a better, greener tomorrow,” said Woolworths Group Manager Rob Valente.
“Enabling our schools to create practical hands-on teaching activities and programs through our grants is just one way we are helping to drive long-lasting sustainable education.”
The grant to Seville Primary School comes as part of the fourth round to date given out as part of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, with over $1 million being awarded to more than 1054 primary schools and early learning centres across Australia.
“The core goal of programs like the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants is to educate students on how to care for their environment,” said Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish.
“The grant will play a vital role in helping Upper Yarra students grow their skills and become the next generation of environmental champions.”
