Water way to save

By Alison Noonan and
STUDENTS at Lynbrook Primary School are certainly no wallies with water.
The school has been working hard to promote water-saving measures in the classroom as well as at home.
Principal Russell Gascoigne said environmental protection was top of the school’s priority list, with students participating in a number of conservation initiatives.
“Because there is such a focus on water conservation in Lynbrook Estate, our school also focuses on that area,” he said.
“The environment was key in the school’s design. We have a 5000-litre water tank that is used to service all toilets and our storm water is directed to the community’s water catchment areas and goes through natural filtration methods before entering the bay.
“We also have a natural pond that students use for science experiments, water-testing and studying animal life.”
Maramba Primary School in Narre Warren is also a diligent water saver.
Teacher Andrew Wakeling said it was important that students understood the significance of water conservation.
He said students had been compiling audits of how much water they used at home as well as making posters that suggested different ways to conserve water.
“Students have been trying to encourage parents to change some of the habits they have got at home.
“By the end of the term, we hope that students understand just how important it is to try and save water.
“That is a major focus of the unit we are doing this term,” he said.
South East Water is offering accreditation to schools that complete key components of the school education program, Water – Learn It! Live It!.
The program was developed by Melbourne’s water businesses and is provided free of charge to schools wishing to integrate water conservation into the curriculum.
Water – Learn It! Live It! is tailored to suit primary and secondary schools and gives teachers the resources they need to develop fun and interesting ways to teach students about saving water.
South East Water managing director Dennis Cavagna said the program helped to save water by providing the latest knowledge to assist schools in raising awareness and reduce consumption at home.
“Learning how to save water is an important lesson for life. The Water – Learn It! Live It! program equips students with awareness, knowledge and skills to make life-long changes in their water-use behaviours,” he said.
South East Water has distributed over 150 education resources to schools since the program was first launched in 2004.
The latest edition will provide up-to-date information on water issues, including a detailed section on recycled water.
The first five schools to complete the program will receive a trip for one class on the Western Port Explorer — South East Water’s Classroom on the Sea, when students can learn about water quality and marine issues in a unique and interactive way.
For more information about South East Water’s range of free school activities or the Water – Learn It! Live It! education program, contact Kerry Archer on 9552 3648.