Today the ACT is celebrating students and staff for their sustainability projects and efforts to reduce emissions at this year's Actsmart Schools Sustainability Awards, with Chapman Primary School taking out the top prize of School of the Year.
Minister for Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said that the annual awards highlight sustainability projects in Canberra schools that reduce emissions from energy, waste and transport and protect our environment.
"Our young people are passionate climate advocates and important change-makers for our city," Minister Rattenbury said. "Canberra's next generation of eco-warriors and our passionate educators are tackling climate change and protecting our environment, so these awards celebrate their outstanding contributions.
"It was a tough year for our judges as there are so many great leaders and initiatives happening in our school communities. I would like to congratulate all of our very deserving winners, along with every other school and student who has taken action to reduce their environmental impact.
"This year's School of the Year award goes to Chapman Primary School. In 2021, they demonstrated excellence in the focus areas of water, waste, energy, biodiversity and transport through student led actions, a journey that has involved many students over many years."
Minister Rattenbury said that the awards highlight how schools and young people in particular are leading climate action in the ACT.
"The range of projects presented this year is impressive – from creating micro-forests that improve native habitat, to implementing 'stop the chip packets' and 'waste free lunch' campaigns," Minister Rattenbury said.
"It's great to see students take these initiatives out into our community. The benefits will be felt for many years to come, long after they leave school."
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Yvette Berry said that it was great to see so many students across Canberra taking active leadership on sustainability and environmental issues.
"Across Canberra, students are learning a lot about sustainability inside and outside the classroom and – as shown by these awards – they are putting those learnings into action.
"One of the key principles of the Future of Education strategy is student agency - students making decisions about their learning and how their learning environments operate. It is clear that Canberra students are very environmentally conscious, and I congratulate all of the award winners."
The fourth annual Actsmart Schools Sustainability Awards recipients are:
- Sustainability Leadership Award (Primary Student) - Yassine Andrews, Aranda Primary School
- Sustainability Leadership Award (Secondary Student) - Indi Flores, Campbell High School
- Sustainability Leadership Award (Staff Primary) - Marc Warwick, Bonython Primary School
- Sustainability Leadership Award (Staff Secondary) - Samantha Burn, Melrose High
- Sustainability Leadership Award (Student Team Primary) - Sustainability Squad, Charnwood-Dunlop School
- Sustainability Leadership Award (Student Team Secondary) - Mulanggari Team, Campbell High School
- Sustainable Project (Primary) - Mini Micro-forest, Kaleen Primary
- Sustainable Project (Secondary) - The Sally Alexander Garden, Caroline Chisholm School
- Leaps and Bounds Award - The Woden School
- School of the Year 2021 - Chapman Primary School
The ACT Government supports school sustainability initiatives by providing free programs, tools and resources. You can find out more by visiting https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au
