Sustainability Archives - ĢƵ /category/sustainability/ Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:48:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-CCG_Logo_Vertical_Colour-32x32.png Sustainability Archives - ĢƵ /category/sustainability/ 32 32 Year 7 Ecosystem Excursion /year-7-ecosystem-excursion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=year-7-ecosystem-excursion Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:41:54 +0000 /?p=930785 On Monday 20th October all Year 7 students went on an Ecosystems Excursion to the specific destination that they nominated to attend. Students went to either the Ballarat Wildlife Park…

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On Monday 20th October all Year 7 students went on an Ecosystems Excursion to the specific destination that they nominated to attend. Students went to either the Ballarat Wildlife Park or Queenscliff. If they went to Queenscliff they then participate in a marine experience on the bay or went to explore the beach, rock pools or fresh water environment. While on their excursion the studied the ecosystem that Australian animals or creatures live in and participated in discussions about food chains and food webs.

‘The environment at Rocky Shores showed Ruby, and I how there were sharks in the water because there were shark eggs. The worker showed us the different types of shark eggs. Their teeth and jaws were so big. The worker showed us starfish. The worker also showed us how pufferfish eat shells and break it in their mouth and spits out the shell and only eat the meat inside. They showed us the seaweed and different types of coral. After that we went to the touch pool. The touch pool is and small pool with fish that were not poisonous. You could touch them.’ – Alice O’C 7B and Ruby C 7B

‘While walking though the Wildlife Park Zoo in Ballarat, we saw lots of animals. We liked looking around for all the wallabies and kangaroos. We got to hug them and give them pats. We got to see a big crocodile named Crunch. There was also a small one named Baller. The big crocodile was 5 metres long. We looked at the reptiles and the aligator We went outside and saw the other animals. As it was not good weather, most of the animals were inside their cages and not coming out. We got to pat the lama and the emu. Our favourite animals were the tigers and all the kangaroos.’ – Briah C 7G and Lily B 7B

‘Being at the Rocky Shores made me think about how water is so fun. I observed the sea and the rocks. We found a shark egg. It was so cool. WE SAW FISH! I think that we sword wear flipflops.’ – Ella W 7B

‘During our visit to the Marine Centre, we saw a lot of fish. One tried to eat me and kept scaring me. I also got to see swamp animals, and it was so much fun (Maya). We learned about feeding fish and got to touch some shark eggs and a bone of a fish. It helped us understand more about fish (Mila).’ –Mila K 7B and Maya T7G

‘During our visit to the beach comb, we noticed the sand, ocean, the light house, seaweed, rocks, spiders, shark eggs, fish, boats, fisherman, dolphin, people that were looking for seashells, a crab shells, seashells, sea horses, star fishes, pufferfish and zebra fish. From this experience, we learned that there were different type of fish and sea horses, and that the male sea horse carries the babies.’ – Willow M 7G and Georgia K 7B

‘At the Marine Centre we saw so many different sea creatures, like lobsters blow fish and catfish. It was so fascinating to see and learn about all the differentsea creatures. Some of the students were lucky enough to go on a boat and look at the small shrimp, oysters, fish and crabs. We learned about the importance of seaweed. We also got to see somelarger animals like dolphins and seals.’ – Juliet K 7B and Lily S 7B

‘Exploring Ballarat Wildlife Park helped us understand that there’s different habitats and where they came from and how they adapted to their new area. We observed the animals such as crocodiles, snakes, turtles, kangaroos, dingoes and a whole lot more. The Wildlife Park had heaps of different animals to explore, and we also got to experience a kangaroo fight.’ – Amarlie R 7G and Maddie P 7B

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Saltbush, Balnarring Beach Staff Excursion /saltbush-balnarring-beach-staff-excursion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=saltbush-balnarring-beach-staff-excursion Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:17:39 +0000 /?p=930189 On Friday 22 August, several ĢƵ staff took a bus trip to Saltbush Balnarring to perform some community works. Upon arrival our introduction took place in the Nanospace Activity Centre…

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On Friday 22 August, several ĢƵ staff took a bus trip to Saltbush Balnarring to perform some community works.

Upon arrival our introduction took place in the Nanospace Activity Centre where we learnt about the history and vision of Saltbush.

We then walked towards the rear of the property through native bush. A paddock opened before us that had previously been leased to a local cattle farmer but was now well underway with tree planting.

We heard how the Presentation Sisters of Saltbush chose to revegetate the land with Landcare Australia rather than sell it. Planting of thousands of trees is being undertaken by school students from Star of the Sea, ĢƵ and others.

A delightful morning tea from The Red Hill Baker was enjoyed, then we set to work.

The tasks involved removing and gravelling two old garden beds and spreading soil for a large new garden bed. With tools in hand, we set to transforming the two overgrown and leaf littered beds along two of the homes into lovely spaces. The soil for the large garden bed was soon spread out and ready for planting.

A well-earned lunch was had and then we took the short drive to Balnarring Beach with Phillip Island right in front of us and the point of Cape Otway in the far distance, we took in the sea air with some enthusiastic staff opting for a quick swim.

Tired and happy we returned to ĢƵ.

It was fabulous to see what Saltbush are doing for families who are experiencing hardship, the peaceful environment allows for play, growth and connection. The staff are passionate and their commitment to supporting community is inspiring.

Check out the website for more information.

Bronte Stead
Media & Communications Officer

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Year 7 Connection Day – Sustainability /year-7-connection-day-sustainability/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=year-7-connection-day-sustainability Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:02:07 +0000 /?p=930158 During our recent year 7 Connection Day with the theme of sustainability, participants were invited to pause, step outside, and immerse themselves in the natural world. The focus of the…

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During our recent year 7 Connection Day with the theme of sustainability, participants were invited to pause, step outside, and immerse themselves in the natural world. The focus of the day was Part 1 – to “see” nature. The 6 different activities encouraged students to:

  • Connect with Nature: spending time outdoors and observe the natural world
  • Discuss Environmental Stewardship & Action: caring for the Earth through responsible choices and advocacy
  • Reflect and Contemplate: quiet time to think about our relationship with creation

Some comments from the day:

‘I really liked that we listened to the nature and went on a walk around the oval and learnt that if you slow down and listen to the surroundings you will see and hear things you have never seen or heard before.’ – Amarlie R 7G

‘I really liked going for a lovely walk. I didn’t realise how much I missed around me.‘ – Maddie P 7B

‘I really liked that we got to clean up outside. It was nice to help clean our school and it was fun to make new friends.’ – Mila K 7B

‘I now know the importance of cleaning up and looking after nature and I feel that I helped make the area healthy and cleaner.’ – Lily S 7B

‘I learnt that ĢƵ had chickens, I felt happy to see them and they were really funny, and I liked to plant the seeds in the pots.’ – Briah C 7G

Craig Canning
Mission and Identity Team: Sustainability Leader

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Year 7 – ‘Long Walk for Water’ /year-7-long-walk-for-water/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=year-7-long-walk-for-water Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:34:03 +0000 /?p=927865 On Wednesday 26 March, the Year 7 students participated in an activity called ‘Long Walk for Water’. The purpose of the activity was to understand the challenges that other people…

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On Wednesday 26 March, the Year 7 students participated in an activity called ‘Long Walk for Water’. The purpose of the activity was to understand the challenges that other people experience, especially involving water. We followed a track that led us to Kirby Reserve. For the whole time, we had to carry containers of water.

(Briah C and Lily B)

Firstly, we went down to the canteen and Miss Congues explained what we were doing. Not long after, we went to fill the containers up. All the teachers did the roll and asked us how many litres were in our containers. Once they were filled up, we all started walking about 1.5kms to Kirby Reserve.

(Mila K/Maddie P)

Then one by one, we poured the water on the plants and trees. After that we all went on the park and played. One by one, the classes then started to walk back to school. On some of the trees there was information and facts about water. We stopped and talked about it.

(Willow M and Amarlie R)

We learnt that many people die from drinking bad water and walk a long way to get it. We also learnt that people in poor countries have to walk with no shoes and have to take a huge amount of time out of their day to go and collect water for their family. Some of the Year 7 students said that they felt like they couldn’t walk at all in the end after walking the 3kms.

(Georgia K and Ella W)

Overall, we learnt what it was like to be in other people’s shoes. We all felt a fraction of the pain that many people go through every day, just so they can provide water for their families. It made us appreciate that in Australia we are very lucky to have fresh water whenever we need it. All we need is to do is turn on the tap.

Water is so important as it keeps us alive. Don’t waste it!

(Maya T and Lily S)

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Western Treatment Plant Excursions – Year 7 /western-treatment-plant-excursions-year-7/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=western-treatment-plant-excursions-year-7 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 03:32:36 +0000 /?p=927334 Over 3 days last week, Year 7 students participated in an excursion to the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee. The purpose of the excursion was for students to see the…

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Over 3 days last week, Year 7 students participated in an excursion to the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee.

The purpose of the excursion was for students to see the operation of the water treatment plant to support their learning in the classroom. This term, students have been considering the value of water across most subjects, exploring issues around the water cycle, drought, water scarcity and considering what the future might hold for Victorians in terms of water supply and demand.

Whilst on site at Western Treatment Plant, students went on tour of the water treatment ponds gaining a better understanding of the processes involved in treating wastewater.

They also participated in a new and innovative digital challenge.

Working in teams, students engaged cooperatively, collaborated, used communication skills and negotiated to help create a sustainable city. Students considered that sometimes what appears best for their group isn’t always for the wider community, city and environment!

Thank you to all at Melbourne Water for your hospitality and expertise in making this excursion possible.

Andrea Power
Teacher

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Winter Coat Drive 2024 /winter-coat-drive-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-coat-drive-2024 Mon, 13 May 2024 05:26:22 +0000 /?p=923593 Do you have a spare winter coat gathering dust in the back of the cupboard? Donate it to ĢƵ and help someone who needs it more than you! As we…

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Do you have a spare winter coat gathering dust in the back of the cupboard?

Donate it to ĢƵ and help someone who needs it more than you!

As we head into the grueling Winter months, the ĢƵ Living Justly team are proud to announce the launch of our Winter Coat Drive!! From this week until May 31, we ask that you bring your pre-loved coats to the box in the Main Office.

All donations will be boxed up and delivered to ‘Off Your Back’, a Melbourne-based not for profit organisation who give directly to people on the streets. Established by a few concerned Melbournians over twenty years ago, ‘Off Your Back’ is run entirely by volunteers, helping people sleeping on the streets of Melbourne and Geelong. Because of their transparency, we feel confident that this organisation is the right one for your generous donations.

We ask that any and all coats aren’t dirty or too worn out, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether or not you’d give it to a friend. Thank you in advance for your donations – they could make all the difference for someone today.

The ĢƵ Living Justly Team

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Sustainability /sustainability-news-8/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sustainability-news-8 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:25:42 +0000 /?p=923021 Clean Up Wadawarrung Country – Friday 1 March 2024 A team of student volunteers participated in Clean Up Wadawarrung Country on Friday 1 March 2024. The team was made up…

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Clean Up Wadawarrung Country – Friday 1 March 2024

A team of student volunteers participated in Clean Up Wadawarrung Country on Friday 1 March 2024. The team was made up of the Year 10 Active Volunteering class, a mix of students from all year levels at lunchtime and the Year 10 Environmental Science class on the day. It was noticed that in comparison to previous years, there was less waste to collect around the Herne Reserve oval and Gabrielle Blythe Walking Path which is positive. Back at school, we emptied out the contents of the bags of waste to sort and count the items of rubbish into their different categories. Thank you to the Sustainability Team, and to all the students and staff members who were involved on the day to care for our precious environment.

Earth Hour – Friday 22 March 2024

Participating in Earth Hour as a school community on Friday 22 March 2024, classes switched off power and lights during period 6.

Earth Hour has grown to become much more than switching your lights off, but that iconic switch-off moment is still an important part of Earth Hour. Millions of participants around the world switch off their lights to demonstrate their support of the environment.

About 1/3 of our emissions come from electricity consumption whether this be from using lights and appliances, to chargers and televisions. The simple act of turning these off can save about 20% of your current household electricity consumption.

While switching to clean renewable energy can be a complicated process for some, the simple act of turning off lights in schools for a period a day can make a dramatic decrease in the amount of power used and the overall negative impact it has on the environment.

Earth Hour was an opportunity for us to put our power use into perspective and to make a positive change, no matter how small.

We have the power to create a brighter future for our planet.

Plant a Succulent with Year 7 Students – Friday 19 April 2024

Year 7 Students were invited to join the Sustainability Student Leaders during lunchtime on Friday for a planting activity. It was fun planting a succulent together and creating some new connections.

Lisa Singline – Sustainability Leader

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Brigid’s Garden Program update /brigids-garden-program-update-4/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brigids-garden-program-update-4 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 22:51:24 +0000 /?p=921621 FARM VISIT by Izzy B, Dani J, and Genevieve K We went to Mary Rose’s farm on the 25th of October to help her do some jobs. We transplanted the…

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FARM VISIT by Izzy B, Dani J, and Genevieve K

We went to Mary Rose’s farm on the 25th of October to help her do some jobs. We transplanted the Raspberry plants, we dug up the raspberries, put them into pots so we could carry them to a new garden bed where we planted them. We got to brush the ponies, Fergus and Kirby and we filled up their tubs of water. We saw a calf and mother and the bull. We watched Mary Rose’s helper, Ivan, milk the cow because she was full and recently had a baby. We met a rescue Magpie named Maggie Moo who didn’t have a home, so she is being looked after in the house. One of our favourite activities was playing with the dogs, Beanie and Gus.

GREEN GARDEN HACK by Genevieve K

Did you know you can give your indoor plants some extra nutrients by soaking a banana skin in water overnight (or for a couple of days), then strain and water your plants with the liquid or dilute it slightly with extra water.

NEW GARDEN SIGNS

A huge thank you to Vince in maintenance for creating some new signs for our fruit trees and plants in the garden. Over the last few weeks we have been busy painting these signs and revamping some of the older signs. The signs brighten up Brigid’s Garden and showcase the wonderful trees and plants we have such as, apricot, plum, apple, pear, nectarine, kiwi fruit, avodado, blueberries, loganberries, peach, banana and almond.

We were super busy on our last day in the garden program for 2023, preparing the garden beds with compost and planting tomato seedlings, creating some Christmas themed cookies in the kitchen, and installing the new signs. We are so grateful for another fabulous year in Brigid’s Garden Program.

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Sustainability News /sustainability-news-7/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sustainability-news-7 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 03:04:24 +0000 /?p=921487 The post Sustainability News appeared first on ĢƵ.

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Sustainability News /sustainability-news-6/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sustainability-news-6 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 05:06:41 +0000 /?p=920986 The post Sustainability News appeared first on ĢƵ.

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