The E Team

An E team (environment team) was established in 2007. They meet as a separate roll call group each morning with a dedicated teacher.

Their goal is to promote awareness of environmental issues and generate energy among students to respond to environmental concerns. The E Team participates in projects that improve the school grounds, reduce energy bills and investigate environmental issues.

Our E Team has facilitated workshops and presented at the Regional and Sydney Youth Environment Network conferences on sustainability and our own environmental initiatives. They have also participated in the Climate Change Forum at NSW Parliament and ran a stall at the Gray’s Point Student Leaders Environmental Expo. We have hosted regional teacher training to develop a SEMP (school environmental management plan) and developed our own plan. Staff and students also attended the regional environmental team meetings. Our environment team links with Loftus Public School are highly valued and were strengthened when we attended a Zoosnooze together.

Earth hour is promoted and we took part in the Beyond Earth Hour Challenge in 2008. This resulted in a reduction in electricity consumption by 26.8% and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) of 8479.5kgs which amounted to a $716.40 reduction in the cost of utilities.

In 2008-2009 students have identified litter as an issue which requires action. We participated in the Schools Clean up Australia campaign and students hosted an assembly, attended by the Deputy Director General Trevor Fletcher, which focussed on the environment. We also participated in the St George and Sutherland Councils “No tossers in our school” program. This incorporated a drama performance by Leapfish which challenged students to think about littering and excess waste. Leapfish then worked with students to conduct a waste and litter audit of the school and created an action plan to decrease litter in our playground.

The “E Team” will continue to expand its activities so that all of our school community accepts responsibility for the environment in which we live.

The photo gallery shows the work done by the E Team with students from Loftus and Engadine Public schools to beautify the school frontage.