Sustainability in schools
We can assist your school to access sustainability programs that help activate and support sustainability practices in your school community.
We can support your school to connect, learn and be inspired as part of your school’s sustainability journey.
E-newsletter for schools
Keep up to date with local sustainability related events, offers and news for schools.
Subscribe to Our Place Schools enews
If you have a news story to share in the e-news please contact the editor at ourplace@kingston.vic.gov.au
‘I Sea, I Care’ student leadership program
We support delivery of the 'i sea, i care' program including a financial subsidy for the whole program. This means minimal upfront costs to all Kingston schools who participate.
The program is delivered by the Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) and is available each year to all Primary Schools in the City of Kingston and new schools are encouraged to join.
The award winning program provides an opportunity for schools to participate in this leadership development opportunity for young students.
Free waste education for schools
Primary and secondary schools are eligible for one annual free waste education presentation as part of our 'Wipe Out Waste' program.
Topics include recycling, reducing waste and litter at your school, establishing a worm farm or compost system and how to maintain the system.
Both primary and secondary programs offer comprehensive and engaging education incursion experiences.
For more information, contact our waste education officer at kingston.waste@kingston.vic.gov.au
Free plants for Schools Tree Day
Free plants for school grounds are available each year in July for schools to participate in Planet Ark Schools Tree Day
Email us at ourplace@kingston.vic.gov.au by June each year for your school to receive a tray of mixed native tubestock plants.
Financial assistance for schools
Limited funding is available for Kingston schools to assist with the cost of professional development and learning opportunities to support sustainability action including:
- conference or program registration fees for sustainability related professional development
- attending a Regional Progress Day with ResourceSmart facilitators offsite
- assistance for completing ResourceSmart school program modules
- attending or presenting at the ‘Kids Teaching Kids’ Week Conference
- associated casual relief teacher (CRT) half day or full day fees related to any of the above.
To request funding, please contact our environmental planning team by emailing ourplace@kingston.vic.gov.au
A cap in funding availability per school, per year, may apply.
Teachers Environment Network
Teacher Environment Network (TEN) meetings are an opportunity for teachers to network with other like-minded educators and to connect with Council related sustainability action, support and professional development.
Register your interest for by by emailing ourplace@kingston.vic.gov.au
Meeting dates and registration links are also included in the Our Place (Schools) e-Newsletter
Kingston’s Big Green Schools Conference
Each year senior students from Kingston Primary schools have the opportunity to take part in the Big Green Schools Conference.
Recognising that ‘from little things, big things grow’ the students develop sustainability related projects that will make a difference in their school and local environment.
Day one of the conference is held in Term 2 at Carrum Primary School and includes a project brainstorming session, a guest speaker and hands on activities.
Day two is held in Term 4 at St Louis de Montfort Primary School in Aspendale. Students showcase their projects and prizes are awarded.
All Kingston Primary schools are invited to participate and there is no cost to attend.
Contact Environmental Planning for more details via OurPlace.
ResourceSmart Schools Free Program
We support Sustainability Victoria’s free ResourceSmart Schools program (RSS) to enable Kingston schools to work towards better resource use understanding and efficiency within their school community. The ResourceSmart framework aims to help Victorian school communities minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity, and cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
Join the large number of Kingston Schools participating in RSS, many of whom are already 5 star ResourceSmart Schools or who are working their way towards achieving their own individual goals.
Other educational resources
Environmental Education organisations
Environmental Education Victoria
CERES School of Nature and Climate
Port Phillip EcoCentre
Cool Australia
School Gardens Programs
Victorian School Gardens Program
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation
The circular economy
Australian circular economy hub
Story of stuff
Connecting with Nature
Zoos Victoria Teacher Tribe
Learning with the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria
Junior Landcarers Educators Hub
Water Education
South East Water
Catchment Detox from ABC science