Promoting ecological conversion and environmental sustainability
At St John's, our students and staff take an active role in being stewards of creation and 'caring for our common home’.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, our school community understands that we have to respond to the environmental challenges of the 21st century with creative and thoughtful planning, education and concrete actions that can make a difference to the health of our planet, all people and all creatures.
Our commitment to being responsible members of Planet Earth is evident in our classroom learning and teaching, the prayer and liturgical life of our school, our resource and grounds management, and whole school planning for community initiatives that contribute to the betterment of our environment and our relationships with one another.
Our St John's school community is involved in a range of initiatives that empower our students to support the ongoing care of creation through:
- Student Garden Team
- Curriculum integration of environmental awareness and sustainability
- Participation in environmental action and awareness initiatives ('Green Days') – including Clean Up Australia Day and World Environment Day
- Outdoor learning spaces
- Vegetable, herb and fruit gardens
- Bush tucker garden
- A waste management system that includes recycling
- Composting of organic waste
- Waste-free Wednesdays
- Eco-friendly infrastructure – water tanks and sensor lighting in our office spaces
- Dedicated staff environmental leader – Mrs Seweryn
- Staff professional development to support student and school environmental learning and action
- Physical ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ on school grounds
- Celebration of the 'World Day of Prayer of the Care of Creation' and the 'Season of Creation'
- Earned Environmental Education Grants that have allowed the creation of our Yarning Circle garden and water tank
- Active members of the Wollongong Environment Network
Our school also has a School Environment Management Plan (SEMP) which identifies and plans for our key environmental actions and projects. These include:
- Continuing to mark 'Green Days' in the life of the school
- Providing additional waste management systems to each classroom, including reintegration of the Vinnies 'Return and Earn' Scheme
- Using more environmentally-friendly containers in our school canteen
- A dedicated Staff Environmental Committee
- Utilising our outdoor Yarning Circle learning space for all students
For more information, visit the CEDoW Wollongong Environment Network
