Two Catholic schools have been named among the winners in the 2021 Coles Sustainability4Schools Competition.
St Brigid’s Catholic School, Evanston and St Catherine’s School, Stirling have been awarded an outdoor ‘Buddy Bench’ made from 98% recycled plastic in recognition of their sustainability initiatives.
The competition created by the supermarket giant marks its 10-year anniversary with soft plastics recycling organisation REDcycle. The donated benches reward and recognise primary schools that are taking steps to protect our environment, as part of a national initiative to encourage local communities to work together to zero waste.
Among eight schools in South Australia and 81 across the country to receive the benches, St Brigid’s is committed to taking action to reduce, reuse and recycle all waste materials.
In line with a school motto of ‘Care for Our Environment,’ a five-bin system has been implemented throughout the school to reduce the amount of waste going into landfill, while foods scraps go into tumblers to make compost which is put into garden beds.
The students also plant vegetables for the Community Service children to make soups for Fred’s Van to help those in need.
“Students sort through our soft plastics, bag them and take a 15-minute walk to Coles Gawler Green once a term to deliver our collection to the REDcycle bin drop-off point,” said St Brigid’s science teacher Stella Harms.
“The flow-on from this is having children and families tell you that they are recycling their soft plastics and food scraps at home, too.
“It is important for our whole school to be involved. There are educational, life skills and environmental benefits in conducting these projects. The hands-on approach is really making a difference to our young children, and we will continue with these projects and more.
“Sustainability is a lifelong commitment for us.”
Congratulations to St Brigid’s Catholic School and St Catherine’s School on your new benches and inspirational sustainability efforts.
First launched in 2016, the Charter for Staff in Catholic Schools South Australia has been re-launched in 2021.
The Charter guides the way staff within Catholic Education SA interact and work with students, colleagues, parents, school community, professionals and other school community members.
