School leads way in sustainability

Ocean Grove Primary School students Cleo, left, Alfie, Samuel, and Alice. (Supplied)

Ocean Grove Primary School has been selected as a ResourceSmart School Awards finalist for its campus infrastructure and operations.

Principal Scott McCumber said he felt proud of the primary school’s efforts to become more sustainable and was honoured to be recognised by the State Government’s awards program.

“We have worked hard over the past few years, and it is wonderful to be recognised,” he said.

“The school community is excited about the opportunity to be part of the 2023 ResourceSmart School (RSS) Awards.

“Our school has had tremendous support from our parents, teachers and students during our journey and this has enabled us to make many positive changes within our school.”

Mr McCumber said the school had been working on many positive changes like creating an Environment Action Team, light bulb replacements, solar panel installations, and a recycling drive.

“Our first action as an RRS school was to fix all the school light bulbs with LED environmentally friendly bulbs and install solar panels,” he said.

“Within our classrooms, students have many opportunities to learn environmentally sustainable habits here at school so they can implement them for decades to come.

“This was a great kick-start to creating a more sustainable infrastructure within our school.”

Sustainability Victoria regions and community action director Katie Pahlow said the awards celebrated young people and schools that lead the way in sustainability.

“It’s important to remember that no action is too small and together we can achieve great things for our environment and generations to come,” she said.

ResourceSmart Schools is a free program delivering sustainability education to help Victorian Schools minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity, and act on climate change.

This year’s winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 15.