TAPS NQS PLP - Embedding sustainable practices Part 3 of 3

Summary

Katherine Lee, director of Point Preschool in Oyster Bay, shares her approach to sustainability, emphasizing the importance of caring for the environment and each other. Rooted in her childhood experiences, she has transformed the preschool into a vibrant, eco-friendly space where children actively engage in projects like growing food, caring for animals, and creating with natural materials. The preschool fosters a strong connection to nature and the local community, working closely with families and local Aboriginal elders. Through small, meaningful actions, they teach children the value of sustainability, with a focus on collaboration and hands-on learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sustainability at The Point Preschool goes beyond environmental care; it also focuses on nurturing relationships and community bonds.
• 😀 Katherine Lee’s interest in sustainability was shaped by her childhood, where she grew up with limited resources and learned the value of reusing, growing food, and connecting with the land.
• 😀 Involving children in sustainability practices, such as creating a fairy garden and caring for the environment, fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• 😀 The preschool's use of natural materials—like tree branches, clay, and moss—enhances children’s creativity and connects them to the natural world.
• 😀 Sustainability efforts are collaborative, with parents contributing skills and knowledge, such as landscaping and mosaic art, to projects at the preschool.
• 😀 The Point Preschool actively engages with the local community, including long-standing neighbors and families, creating a strong sense of connection.
• 😀 The preschool has partnered with the local council’s bush care program to educate children on regenerative practices and the importance of native species.
• 😀 Through regular outdoor activities, children learn how to preserve local habitats and engage with local elders to understand traditional Aboriginal practices of land stewardship.
• 😀 Small, consistent actions, like composting or starting a vegetable garden, can make a big difference in fostering sustainability in educational settings or at home.
• 😀 The preschool’s approach is based on creating a meaningful connection to nature, where children learn from the environment and actively participate in its care.
• 😀 Sustainability at the preschool is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process, with continuous involvement from the children, families, and the community.

Q & A

What does sustainability mean to Katherine Lee?

To Katherine, sustainability means taking care of the environment and each other. It involves ethical sourcing, fair trade, and looking at how resources are used responsibly. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing and caring for the environment and the people around us.

What inspired Katherine's interest in sustainability?

Katherine's interest in sustainability stems from her upbringing. Her parents couldn't afford many things, so they relied on hand-me-downs and homemade goods. She spent a lot of time with her family growing their own food and connecting with the land, which influenced her strong values of sustainability.

How does Katherine believe people without a sustainability-focused upbringing can start practicing sustainability?

Katherine believes that even those without a direct experience of sustainability can start by focusing on an area of interest. Everyone has some connection to caring for the environment and each other, and starting with small, personal actions or following children's interests can make it easier to begin.

What role do families play in the sustainability efforts at the preschool?

Families are actively involved in the preschool's sustainability projects. They participate in small garden projects, working bees, and other initiatives. The preschool also encourages families to contribute ideas and skills, and this involvement makes sustainability efforts more meaningful.

What are some of the environmental features of the preschool's grounds?

The preschool has a number of sustainability features, such as three frog ponds, worm farms, a nursery where children propagate plants like aloe vera, and nesting boxes for local wildlife. These features not only support the environment but also provide hands-on learning opportunities for the children.

How does the preschool integrate natural materials into its learning environment?

The preschool uses a variety of natural materials in its learning environment, such as tree branches, sticks, and clay. These materials are intentionally chosen to enhance creativity and provide children with a connection to the natural world, fostering imaginative play and environmental awareness.

What is the purpose of the preschool's collaboration with the local Bush Care program?

The preschool collaborates with Southern Shire Council’s Bush Care program to involve children in local environmental conservation efforts. The children participate in tree planting, weeding, and mulching, and they learn about native species and the importance of caring for local bushland.

How does the preschool involve the local Aboriginal community in sustainability efforts?

The preschool works closely with the local Aboriginal community, particularly with Darwal elder Les Burel, who teaches the children about the importance of maintaining the beauty of the land. This connection helps children understand sustainability from an Indigenous perspective, highlighting the responsibility of caring for the land.

How does the preschool ensure that sustainability is embedded in children's daily activities?

Sustainability is integrated into children's daily routines through hands-on involvement in tasks like composting, recycling, and caring for the environment. When children are actively engaged in these activities, sustainability becomes a natural part of their learning and daily life.

What advice does Katherine give to others who want to start their own sustainability initiatives?

Katherine advises starting with small, manageable steps and focusing on an area of interest. She recommends creating a plan, whether it's growing vegetables, using eco-friendly cleaning products, or setting up a worm farm. She also emphasizes that there are many resources available online and in books to help guide the process.