Our Enviroschool journey so far…

The Enviroschools kaupapa is to create a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through learning and taking action together. Here at Geraldine Preschool we are very proud to have been involved in the Enviroschools programme since 2008. Achieving the highest award of Green-Gold in 2017 was a huge achievement in our Enviroschools jouney.

 

Key roles:

  • Empowering our tamariki (children) to be ambassadors of respect, care and kindness to both nature and community.

  • Ensuring inclusivity and a respect for diversity through all cultures, abilities and backgrounds.

  • Creating pride and achievement amongst the tamariki through an understanding of the process from seed to food.

Examples of our Enviroschools journey…

  • Supporting local businesses within our community (to encourage a sustainable community).

  • Blessing of our forest classroom, involving whānau in matariki celebrations and learning about important events such as Waitangi Day. (Maori perspectives).

  • The use of recycling bins, compost bins and worm farms. (Learning for sustainability).

  • Recognising and exploring the cultural celebrations and traditions of our tamariki. (Respect for the Diversity of people and cultures).

  • Encouraging and empowering tamariki through the planting, caring and harvesting of plants in our preschool gardens. (Empowering students).

  • Puna Ora - our fruit orchard which is supporting the ‘incredible edible’ community initiative to encourage local whanau to come and help themselves to locally grown produce. (To encourage a sustainable community).

5 Enviroschool Guiding Principles

  • Empowered Students

    Students are enabled to participate in meaningful ways. Their unique perspectives are valued for the knowledge and insight that they bring, and they are supported to take action for real change.

  • Learning for Sustainability

    Recognising the types of teaching and learning that use connecting experiences to develop holistic and ecological perspectives, foster student enquiry, decision making, action and reflection, and create sustainable outcomes.

  • Maori Perspectives

    Honouring the status of tangata whenua in this land and the value of indigenous knowledge and wisdoms in enriching and guiding learning and action.

  • Respect for Diversity of People and Cultures

    Acknowledging the unique gifts, contributions and perspectives of individuals and groups, reinforcing the value of participatory decision making and collaborative action.

  • Sustainable Communities

    Act in ways that nurture people and nature now and in the future to maintain the health and viability of our environment, society, culture and economy.