James Cook Primary has been aware of the difficulties we all face with disposing of waste produced at school and within the local community for a long time. We choose to tackle the issue head on by attempting to reduce, recycle and reuse the items we no longer require as opposed to discarding it all to land fill. We have sought the expertise and experience of CERES and ResourceSmart Schools to guide us through both student and staff in-servicing, group consultation and individual visits.

Bunnings have assisted with support, discounts and generous donations in this area. Composting regimes have been created in classroom modules with associated bins placed next to all outdoor areas. They have also provided us with a Frog Pond which was installed in our Rainforest Garden, in November, 2018. We have collected clothing and toys which were gifted to the SIDS Foundation. A major change has been in our curriculum where sustainability has become an ‘Inquiry through line’ across all school levels.

Casey Council has supplied us with a substantial grant to assist us in reducing our waste and have also provided new recycling bins which are placed in classrooms to ensure paper, cardboard and bottles are disposed of correctly. They have supported us through visits, in-servicing and ongoing suggestions and advice. Junior Landcare have also provided us with a grant to refurbish the gravel area outside Module 4 and turn it into an ‘outdoor learning space.’ This will be a place where teachers can take their classes outdoors and be immersed in our natural environment, surrounded by indigenous plants and shrubs. We look forward to its completion this year.