Huge congratulations to St Patrick’s, Port Fairy on receiving Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools award for “Community Leadership School of the Year,” alongside Tecoma Primary School.

St Patrick’s Principal, Olga Lyons said the award was wonderful recognition of the outstanding work of staff and students over the past several years.

“Our school community has always been aware of the beautiful natural environment we have here at Port Fairy, and our deep responsibility to care for it.

‘Such is the enthusiasm for sustainability, 82 students across all year levels this year volunteered to join the student action team to plan and help deliver the programs and activities across the school,’ she said.

St Patrick’s Sustainability Leader, Benson Steere said students took on projects each year around the four key areas of waste, water, energy and biodiversity.

‘The student action team plan and deliver full day programs for the whole school each term, focused on each of the key action areas.

‘Our students work closely with the Port Fairy Coastal Care group to monitor beach erosion, grow seasonal produce at the school, recycle linen and materials into pencil cases for children in a Tanzanian school founded by parents of the school, are just a few of our current projects.

‘We are very proud to have a vibrant program that complements the curriculum and helps students develop a deeper understanding of the principles and importance of sustainability,’ Mr Steere said.

Ms Lyons said the award is testament to the hard work of the Sustainability Student Leaders and staff over the last few years as well as support from the entire school community.

‘The energy and expertise of Andrea Lane, who has since moved to another school, along with recently retired Deputy Principal, Peter Sanderson, and now Benson Steere, along with all our staff, have been instrumental to the rich learning opportunities provided for the students,’ she said.

Matt Genever, CEO at Sustainability Victoria, said the award winning ResourceSmart Schools have shown that they are not only participants in sustainability but are leading the way as custodians of the future environment.

‘Their initiative, creativity and dedication has allowed sustainable practices to flourish on their campuses and into their local communities,’ he said.

Find out more about the St Patrick’s sustainability program here.