How does your school or teachers connect students to the reef to promote CARE?
Have displays and nature positive messaging in the classroom/ school
Teach conservation and respect for the environment, the world's oceans and its interconnected ecosystems (i.e. coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds)
Students can list how their own actions can positively or negatively impact reef related ecosystems.
Make connections with First Nation Peoples and their connection to land and sea
Students reflect on their own connection to the reef and marine ecosystems
Classroom paper recycling system implemented; CFC program implemented; group meets weekly to share an action they did or saw to care for the environment.
Which Reef Guardian School Program curriculum resources were used to help students LEARN?
Environmental days (World Ocean Day, Plastic Free July, Walk to School days, National Recycle week).
English (genre - persuasive), Science and HASS units from the Australian curriculum implemented throughout the year.
Which Reef Authority resources were used to help students LEARN?
School uses resources provided by Australian curriculum
Which LEARN topics were covered this year?
Climate change
Responsible reef practices and marine life and boating dangers
Water quality
Coastal development and ecosystem restoration
Marine debris
Target animals (e.g. turtles)
Indigenous culture and histories
The Great Barrier Reef
Agricultural and farming
ACT Marine Debris
Marine debris clean-up (i.e. clean up a local beach/river/creek, clean up Australia Day)
Litter reduction in school (i.e. clean up proactive program)
Litter free lunches (i.e. plastic free lunch)
Education on assembly, newsletters and posters (i.e. educate school community with a talk at assembly, newsletters and posters)
ACT Reducing waste and recycling
Bringing waste free lunches to school
Plastic straw removal or drinks with plastic straws
Make recyclable/reusable bags
Compost Bins
Keeping chickens - feeding them food scraps
Recycling program (i.e. start a recycling program at your school)
ACT Water conservation
Install water tank at school to use rainwater
Continuing to upgrade and install drink bubblers (taps) that are water efficient.
ACT Reducing energy
School energy audit and/or reduction (i.e. look at the amount of energy your school uses and make a plan to reduce it)
Using/installing solar
Energy monitors (i.e. track your schools energy usage)
Encourage students to turn off electrical equipment when not in use (i.e. lights, fans,)
ACT Gardens and habitat restoration
Upkeep native garden or produce garden
Take an opportunity to immerse your class in nature
Aquarium set up (e.g. Red claw)
ACT Engage in a community/school challenge
In-school challenge (i.e. environmental education challenge in school)
Celebrate Environmental days (i.e. World Ocean Day, Plastic Free July, Walk to School days, National Recycle Week etc).
ACT Citizen Science Projects
Excursions to local waterway, parks, farms, reef
Who did you SHARE or collaborate with in the community?
Your local government (i.e. councils, municipalities, locality)
How did you SHARE your achievements, messaging or achievements?
Partner organisation participation in ‘school led’ environmental activity/project
Publicise within the school community (e.g. assembly, newsletters, social media)
How did you SHARE Reef Guardian School Program membership?
Display RGS Fence sign
Reward Reef Guardians with environmental leader awards
Recruit other teachers to the RGS Program.
On share information via social media or word of mouth
At school assemblies
How did your school Care, Learn, Act and Share to promote the next generation of reef STEWARDs?
Significantly decrease carbon footprint
Change the mind set of students to instil life long learning and positive nature behaviours
School is recognised by leading publication or documentary eg CCN, Media, TV or journal
Be an active Reef Guardian School by completing an annual action plan 2 years in a row
Be an active Reef Guardian School by completing an annual action plan >3 years in a row
Be an active Reef Guardian School by completing an annual action plan >10 years in a row
Reef Guardian leaders and a few other students participated in the making of an advertisement for television and Facebook with the local council. The program was called "Let's get it sorted Whitsunday's".