School learns to live with water saving

OATLANDS Primary School is one water smart school.
The Narre Warren school recently became fully accredited under innovative water education and conservation program Water – Learn it! Live it!
To mark its accreditation, a sign will be placed at the school’s entrance to inform the community of its commitment to a sustainable water future.
The program is part of the State Government’s Our Water Our Future behaviour change campaign to educate Victorians on the importance of saving water.
Over the past year, Oatlands Primary School has been working with South East Water to integrate water conservation into its curriculum and reduce water use throughout its grounds.
Principal Stuart Daly said the school was extremely proud of its accreditation and excited about implementing new water saving initiatives.
“Students have been very active in seeking water conservation methods and have commenced using buckets to collect water from drink troughs to water garden beds.
“We have worked hard to promote water conservation within our school and community, both of which have a sound understanding of water conservation,” Mr Daly said.
“The school is currently undergoing construction work and we will be installing rainwater tanks to collect stormwater run off from the roof of our new building. This water will be used to hydrate our herb garden,” he said. To meet accreditation for Water – Learn it! Live it! the school achieved a series of milestones including participation in National Water Week activities and professional development sessions for teachers.
South East Water provides schools wishing to integrate water conservation into the curriculum with a Water – Learn It! Live It! resource kit, which is suited to both primary and secondary schools, as well as planning support from a dedicated education officer.
South East Water acting chief executive officer Kate Vinot said the program helps to raise awareness about current and future water issues while also encouraging students to reduce consumption at home and school.
“The kit gives teachers the resources they need to develop fun and interesting ways to teach students about saving water,” she said.
“We encourage all schools in our service area to register for the program and become Water – Learn it! Live it! accredited.
“Oatlands Primary School is a great example of a school that is committed to a sustainable water future,” Ms Vinot said.
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.