STAFF WRITERS
EDUCATORS from across Gippsland gathered at Stockdale Road Primary School, Traralgon for a dynamic morning dedicated to advancing sustainability initiatives within schools.
The Gippsland Teacher Environment Network meeting, hosted by ResourceSmart Schools, brought together passionate teachers keen to learn, collaborate, and inspire one another on their sustainability journeys.
ResourceSmart Schools, a free state government program run by Sustainability Victoria, provides invaluable support to schools through local facilitators. The meeting served as a hub for educators to explore new ideas and strategies that can enhance sustainability practices in their classrooms and communities.
A key highlight of the morning was a session led by Cherrie Kauffman, who oversees the animal husbandry program at Liddiard Road Primary School, Traralgon.
Cherrie shared how her school’s diverse animal care program, which includes dogs, guinea pigs, chickens, and ducks, as well as its vegetable gardens, is significantly improving student wellbeing and learning outcomes.
Participants also experienced an innovative virtual reality session guided by Stephanie Sabrinskas from Power Pops. Developed by the Gippsland Climate Change Network, this program immerses students in the life of an offshore wind technician, highlighting the emerging energy transition, its environmental benefits, and the career opportunities it offers for future generations in Gippsland.
Kath Arber, from the host school, Stockdale Road Primary, led a tour of the school’s sustainability initiatives, giving educators a first-hand look at the school’s vegetable garden, fruit foraging garden, and newly constructed industrial kitchen.
A ResourceSmart School since 2022, this progressive primary school has a paddock-to-plate program where students grow, cook, and enjoy food sourced directly from the school grounds; an inspirational model for integrating sustainability into everyday learning.
The morning provided a valuable platform for teachers to exchange ideas, experiences, and strategies, fostering a renewed enthusiasm for incorporating sustainability into their own schools and curricula.
For more information about the free ResourceSmart Schools program and the support it offers to schools across Victoria, visit: sustainability.vic.gov.au/our-work/resourcesmart-schools
