Sustainable Schools Category WINNERAthol Road Primary School – School Wetland Project and Sustainability Programs

Athol Road Primary school takes great pride in promoting environmental sustainability and have achieved this through a number of environmental programs run at the school including their brand new wetland.Wanting to make the most of an unused area at the back of the school, students were asked how to use the area that would benefit the environment. It was decided a wetland that acts as an alternative landscape for learning and teaching be constructed to support the school’s Environmental Education program. Supported by staff, students, parents and local businesses they transformed the area into a fully functioning wetland where weekly class lessons are held.

Everything about the wetland is sustainable. A rainwater tank provides all the water, plants and reeds remove pollutants to improve water quality, the materials used to make the wetland were re-used from around the school or donated by local businesses. Furthermore, as wetlands are natural to Greater Dandenong, indigenous species were planted in the wetland, which has already attracted birds, insects and reptiles. The school community involvement, including input from local businesses and use of some recycled materials adds to the overall environmental and social sustainability of the nomination. The incorporation of other sustainability initiatives implemented at the school further reinforces the schools commitment to the environment. A great achievement!