Churchlands Primary School’s sustainability program is a vibrant and impactful initiative that involves students, families, and the wider community in environmental care and responsibility. At the heart of the program is the Eco Shed, formerly the 9R Shed, which serves as the school’s sustainability hub. With a record 34 Year 5 Environmental Officers leading daily operations, the Eco Shed facilitates waste management, composting, and the care of chickens, instilling a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness in all participants.
The program promotes waste-free lunches every Tuesday, reducing packaging in lunchboxes and reinforcing good habits through positive incentives such as dojo points and raffle tickets. This initiative has successfully reduced litter around the school, making a tangible impact on the environment.
Community involvement is a key feature of the program, exemplified by the annual Quairading tree planting. Year 5 students, teachers, and parents join forces with the Rotary Clubs of Subiaco and Quairading to plant thousands of trees on salt-affected farmland, fostering a long-standing partnership between urban and rural communities.
Global initiatives such as the Solar Buddy program extend the school’s reach beyond local efforts. Students assemble solar lights for communities in energy poverty, combining STEAM education with meaningful global impact. This effort is supported by school-wide fundraising and awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of giving back.
Other activities include the Give Write program, where unused stationery is donated to local students in need, and the sustainability-focused revamp of the school canteen. Led by student environmental leaders, the canteen has adopted more eco-friendly practices, such as replacing plastic icy pole wrappers with sustainable alternatives.
Parents and community members play an active role in the program, participating in busy bees, gardening projects, and chicken care. Partnerships with organizations like the Cambridge Rotary Club and Bunnings Innaloo provide vital support for ongoing initiatives.
Looking ahead, the school aims to enhance the Eco Shed with improved signage, upgraded compost stations, and better facilities for the chickens. These upgrades reflect the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable practices among students, preparing them to be mindful stewards of the planet.