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Home>>Environment>>"Learning for Sustainability" Schools Program
The "Learning for Sustainability" or LfS Program is offered free to schools to assist with sustainable school initiatives both within the school grounds and the broader community. First developed in 2000, the program helps schools to follow the 5+ STEPS towards sustainability. Over 70% of the shires 84 schools as well as four pilot pre-schools are currently signed up to the LfS program.
In addition, help is given to schools and other interested educators through the Environmental Educators Network (EEN). The EEN hosts network meetings, sends out regular email updates of the latest sustainable information, updated calendar of events and grants available to schools.
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| To find out more about, or to join the Environmental Educators Network or the Learning for Sustainability Program contact either:
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| Excursions and Incursions | | Through the Birdsland Environmental Education Centre in Belgrave South, the Shire of Yarra Ranges runs environmental excursions and incursions to assist schools meet key achievements through the STEPS of the Learning for Sustainability Program. Earthkeepers overnight environmental camps are also run from Mt Toolebewong (near Healesville).
In addition the Shire's waste contractor provides educational services to our schools through EnviroCom Australia. For more information on what free incursion and excursions can help your school with the materials component of the LfS program, such as assistance in auditing your materials at school a primary (4MB) and secondary (5.7MB) flyer has been developed.
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| Next Environmental Educators Network Meeting | | Term 4 Meeting 2009:
When? TBA between 4:15pm - 6:15pm
Where? TBA
If your school is interested in hosting an Environmental Educators Network meeting please contact Anthony Mann via email a.mann@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or by phoning on 9294 6491.
Term 3's Network Meeting was held at Macclesfield PS with a focus on Composting and Worm Farms. It was fantastic to see some new faces along at this terms meeting and to see ideas and information being shared between the teachers and parents who attended.
Composting (successfully) is one of the most common issues found in schools and it was very inspiring to see, smell and feel Maccy’s fantastic fully functional compost system. We heard from Di from Maccy explaining how their system was set up and how they make sure that it is functioning as efficently as possible, which means treating it like a living pet which requires giving it regular attention. Maccy has found that their compost system and worm farms can turn their organic waste; which can be up to 40% of the schools total waste, into beautiful rich compost which is used in their thriving productive gardens.
In the near future I will be uploading information on the LfS website on how to create and maintain a functional compost system and worm farms along with helpful hints from Maccy PS.
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