St Benedict’s Catholic School, Shaw is proof that showcasing world-class sustainability is possible, no matter the size or scale of a project. The Prep to Year 6 school is known as one of Australia’s greenest schools, embracing sustainable practices for the natural and built environments, nurturing a love for creation and stewardship.

Having been awarded a 6 Green Star rating (highest rating possible) by the Green Building Council Australia, the school continues to promote the importance of caring for Creation to their students through education and engagement. Students are given the opportunity to be their best through a variety of different projects.

“At St Benedict’s, we believe that some learning is best done with a hands-on approach where students are engaged in meaningful projects,” said Principal Penny Collins.

St Benedict’s Catholic School has been named as one of four schools to be involved in a new Council initiative aimed at adopting, and caring for, local waterways. 

The Adopt-A-Creek program is part of the Creekwatch project, delivered in collaboration with OzFish Unlimited; to engage the community in water catchment management and monitoring.

Council’s Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson, Maurie Soars, said getting schools and community groups involved is a great way to connect residents with their environment.

“Adopt-A-Creek is an exciting way to educate and engage the region’s youth about our natural habitat and how to care for it. 

“Teachers leading the program receive training and waterway monitoring kits to use for their chosen waterway,” Cr Soars said. 

St Benedict’s Catholic School Principal, Penny Collins, said Council’s Adopt-A-Creek program is an exciting project for the students.

“Our Environmental Education program already sees our students learn so many cross curricular skills that can be used in all areas of life, by engaging in the learning experiences,” Mrs Collins said.

“The Adopt-A-Creek program is adding another element as students are involved in gathering research that could impact the decision making of how Townsville schools manage any residual runoff into nearby waterways.” 

Helping to create real-life connections and address real world concerns regarding sustainability provide students the knowledge, skills, values and world views necessary to contribute to more sustainable patterns of living.