Sustainable school shines

Staff and students at South Coogee Primary School have been recognised for their dedication to sustainability and environmental awareness.

The school was crowned the School Waste Award winner in the 2023 WasteSorted Awards for several sustainable initiatives, coming out on top against three other schools in the category.

South Coogee Primary School implemented a Sustainability Operational Plan. Outlining the goals each year for the school, the plan incorporates the UN Sustainable Goals into the school STEM program.  

The Sustainability Committee creates sustainable responsibilities each week for every year group, as well as working with the local community, including parents and local businesses, on sustainability projects.

Recycling and waste avoidance are big topics at the school, with students taught how to dispose correctly to help decrease waste to landfill.

Sustainable practices and awareness are also integrated throughout the curriculum, with some of the initiatives such as student-monitored electronic composters, using council recycling bins, cash for cans, and an annual sustainability fair where students make items to sell.

South Coogee Primary School associate principal Sarah Baden-Powell said the award all came down to the hard-working staff and students implementing the various initiatives.

“The school community are very excited that their whole school program has been acknowledged,” Ms Baden-Powell said.

“The school is now on a journey to fulfill a long-term goal of establishing a sustainable and green canteen.”

Somerly Primary School was also highly commended in the Schools Award category.