We promote respect for ourselves, each other, the land, and all living things. We are committed to ongoing professional learning to build our capacity to teach children about the diverse histories, knowledge and cultural perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. With this, we are prompted to reflect on connections to the land and explore ways to promote environmental sustainability. We continue to adapt our centre and learning environments to reflect these new understandings.
We strive to provide children with the knowledge and skills to become environmentally responsible. Research shows that the earlier children are given the opportunity to learn about and connect with the environment, the more likely they are to carry those skills forward and be environmentally responsible as adults.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability is the quality and practice of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, therefore supporting long-term ecological balance.
Sustainable Education
As Educators, we have the responsibility to make sustainable education a part of our everyday practices, rather than a topic or theme to consider for a short time.
Actions include:
- promoting reduce/reuse/recycle
- reducing paper use by using online or cloud storage for files and documentation of children’s learning
- purchasing resources from Resource Rescue, a local not-for-profit organisation that collects rejects, seconds and factory offcuts for distribution to the community
- conserving water and energy through practices such ensuring electrical appliances are turned off when not in use, monitoring and educating children on water use, and using water from play experiences to water the plants
- providing children with access to a range of natural materials in their play and learning environments
- looking for examples of interdependence in the environment and discuss the ways the life and health of living things are interconnected
- modelling respect, care and appreciation for the natural environment and all living creatures
- consulting with relevant recognised authorities as part of policy review to ensure contents are consistent with current research and contemporary views on best practice
- seeking advice and information from Aboriginal knowledge-holders to support community understanding about how to respectfully use and conserve natural resources
- Educators attend workshops and through Maroondah Council (Early Years resources for waste and litter reduction)
During 2023 we plan to establish a gardening project with Indigenous plants and will eventually use these nutritious and tasty food sources in our menus.
