May 1, 2024
In 2022, the 16th Assembly resolved “A call to action for climate justice: listening to First Peoples wisdom.” The resolution established a steering group that amongst other things, is tasked with sharing stories, expertise and learnings on effective strategies and resources to reduce emissions, prioritising the wisdom of First Peoples.
Towards Net Zero: Good News Stories is the culmination of this work. Over the next couple months, weekly good news stories from across the national Uniting Church will highlight possibilities and achievements in moving towards a sustainable future.
In week 4 of this series, we check in with Aitken College in Greenvale, Victoria, to learn about all the ways in which their students and staff contribute to creation care.
Striving for sustainability: Aitken College
Aitken College is an open entry, co-educational, independent school in Greenvale, Victoria in association with the Uniting Church. At Aitken College, education is about providing opportunities and experiences for young people. The College motto ‘In Mind and Spirit’ reflects the nurturing of educational and spiritual growth. The unique site on which the College is located is welcoming and provides opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and care for their environment. Principal, Josie Crisara says that ‘hands-on learning to demonstrate it is possible to make a difference, needs to be experienced by young people in order to give hope.'
The College prides itself in providing students with a set of values to become responsible members of our global world. College Chaplain Rev Deacon Gavin Blakemore believes that the school’s philosophy and values which flow out of the association with the Uniting Church, are central to the focus on caring for creation. Gavin adds that 'the school’s location on land that was open farmland only twenty-five years ago provides a wonderful opportunity for discovering natural world and learning to live in harmony with the environment.'
Dwayne Ganci is the Sustainability and Agriculture Coordinator for the College. He mentioned that the College has had a sustainability vision for many years and students are taught to care for the environment. Dwayne adds, 'The kids really act positively to this aspect of school curriculum. We have Sustainability Leaders in each of the classrooms who are supported by elected primary and secondary Sustainability Captains.'
Several projects have arisen including a recent biodiversity project with Major Roads Victoria to ensure that vegetation from the local area is restored following the current extensive roadworks adjacent to the school.
The College is also working with Melbourne Water to regenerate the biodiversity of the local waterway called Brodies Creek and help establish it as a wildlife corridor. This has now become a regular service program for all Year 9 students.
Another project which is part of their Precious Plastics initiative, involves collecting plastic bottle tops and using this material to make ballpoint pens, combs and pots.
Students explore the concept of recycling plastic waste, learn the environmental impact of plastic pollution, and investigate the process of plastic recycling. The collection of bottle tops is sourced from the school community.
Aitken College is also a recipient of the “5-Star ResourceSmart Schools certification” and is one of only three schools in Victoria to receive this certification. This program is managed by Sustainability Victoria, a Statutory Authority establish by the Victorian Government, and organisations must renew their certification on a regular basis. The program evaluates biodiversity, waste, water usage and energy usage. Aitken College has been a ResourceSmart School since 2007.
Within the rapidly expanding suburbs in Melbourne’s North, Aitken College sits as small oasis with market gardens and a mini farm key elements on its 18-hectare site. It is a sign of hope that we can empower the emerging generations to care for our Earth.
Left: Propagating native seedlings.
Centre: Plastics recycling and re-use.
Right: Energy auditing.
Story Hub
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.