It was amazing to see so many people getting involved in Sustainability Week at the College last week, working together to slowly but surely make our world a more sustainable place.
On Tuesday 24 July Sustainability Week kicked off with a second-hand stall held in the Youth Ministry Lounge at lunchtime, filled with donations from staff and students. This was accompanied by the Agriculture and Horticulture students handing out oranges, mandarins and lemons.
Wednesday lunchtime featured Mr Thompson showing off the resident lamb and sheep, with assistance from members of the Young Farmers Club. Seedlings were also up for grabs.
On Thursday 26 July, teachers and students faced off in the great debate. Accompanied by Jamieson Manger and Sam Crabtree, Mrs Prusac led the affirmative side, while Kaitlyn Crymble and Beccy Snell joined Mr Haining in arguing the negative. The focus of the debate was whether or not it was possible for Australia to be using 100% renewable energy by 2050. Despite everyone being in support of renewable energy, the negative team was triumphant.
Also on Thursday we had a guest from CERES in Brunswick visit the Youth Ministry Lounge where she set up some card quizzes on sustainability. Students had a fun and interesting time matching up statistics on water usage, energy and waste. Other students took part in lunchtime orienteering around the school grounds.
Friday was Tree Planting Day and for the Year 12s it was also Wrap It Up Day, which focussed on saving energy by having all the Year 12 classroom heaters turned off during the day and allowing students to come to school in their warmest clothes. The tree planting took place at lunchtime, as students volunteered to work in groups to plant native seedlings near the back ovals.
Sr Mary also donated PLA 280ml and 360ml cups plus BioStraws to the CSYMA Lounge. PLA plastic (or polylactic acid) is made from renewable raw materials such as corn-based resin and is environment and resource friendly. It requires significantly less energy to mould into plastic containers and is biodegradable and compostible.
