Five stars for our early childhood centres
Published on 31 January 2025
Morobe Street and St. Hellier Street early childcare centres (ECCs) have both achieved a 5-Star ResourceSmart School rating. The program is managed by Sustainability Victoria and guides schools and ECCs to reduce waste, conserve water, and include sustainability in their curriculum. Both ECCs were motivated to join the program to reach Council's climate action goals and to be good stewards.
The highest rating of the program was achieved through the hard work and dedication of staff, children and parents. The centres were supported by CERES Environmental Education Centre as a delivery partner. Although so much has been achieved, we hope the program becomes more aligned to the early childhood curriculum.
Through the program, young students learn about sustainability and conservation as their school or ECC completes a core module followed by others on waste, energy, biodiversity and water.
Children at St. Hellier Street ECC participated by being water and energy monitors. They encouraged their peers to turn off taps and water plants with unused water. With energy monitors “flicked the switch” when appliances weren't in use. They also planted trees and took nature walks to appreciate our environment.
At Morobe Street ECC, children contributed their food scraps to the FOGO bins, composted using worm bins, and learned about proper recycling and saving energy. They also enjoyed educational incursions with Bunnings to learn about growing food. Staff and parents modeled good conservation behaviours and joined incursions with their children, making the achievement truly a group effort!
Elizabeth Roberts, Coordinator for St. Hellier Street ECC said, "We have just one world to live in and we need our youth to fix what we seem unable to do. Let's give them the knowledge and power." Raj Kaur, Coordinator of Morobe Street ECC shared a similar sentiment, “As a team we always strive for better outcomes. What we instil in children today will be the power for tomorrow.”
If your school or ECC would like to join ResourceSmart Schools, contact Sustainability Victoria.