Environmental welfare is one of Bunbury Catholic College’s highest priorities.
The City of Bunbury recently donated $3000 to assist the school’s Habitat Program duties.
The school will use the funds to purchase plants for a new project at its Marist campus.
All of the plants will be bought from local businesses.
Bunbury Catholic College sustainability coordinator Kelli Schmitt said the project has been scheduled for winter.
“We are making a green corridor and improving the school site through the planting of trees,” she said.
“It is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the environment, which is something the school holds in high regard.”
The City’s Habitat Program was set up to promote environmental studies in schools.
City of Bunbury environment officer Orla O’Donnell said the school has now received three rounds of Habitat Program funding.
“Bunbury Catholic College is just one of the many local schools who have benefited from the Habitat Bunbury Grant program,” she said.
“Other schools that were provided funding in the last year or so include Cooinda Primary School, Picton Primary School, Newton Moore Senior High School, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and Manea Park Senior College.”
“Any school that meets the criteria outlined in the Bunbury Habitat Grant guidelines is welcome to apply.”
Ms O’Donnell said Habitat Program projects benefited the community and provided positive education outcomes.
“Schools are encouraged to contact the grant coordinator to assist with project development and the application process,” she said.
“The applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis and funding is awarded until the funding pool has been depleted. This funding pool is replenished each financial year.
“The majority of applications received are approved and funded, some with minor amendments.”
She also said environmental education helped students to understand the world around them.
“From a local government perspective, the knowledge the students will acquire through the projects will lead to them being more environmentally responsible residents,” she said.
“Many of the projects undertaken provide invaluable data on local native fauna species, create habitat, and assist with mitigating the effects of environmental impacts.
“The skills the students will develop depends on the project, but – in general – the research, assessment and presentation of project outcomes helps to develop skills in critical thinking, decision making, leadership and presentation.”
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