At Donvale Primary School, sustainability is about helping students understand their role in caring for the world around them. We are committed to building awareness, responsibility and practical habits that students can take with them beyond the classroom — at school, at home and in the wider community.
Through learning and action, students develop an understanding of how small, thoughtful choices can make a meaningful difference.
Sustainability is taught across the school, with learning experiences designed to be age-appropriate and progressive at each year level. Students explore concepts such as the 4Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink — and learn how these ideas apply to everyday life.
Students investigate:
ways to reduce waste
how to reuse materials creatively
how recycling systems work
how to be mindful of water and energy use
Students are encouraged to put their learning into practice, developing habits that support sustainability both at school and at home.
While reducing and reusing are key priorities, students also learn the importance of responsible recycling. Our school actively recycles a range of materials, including:
cardboard and paper
bottles and containers
printer cartridges
We also use rainwater for watering gardens and flushing toilets, helping students understand how resources can be used wisely.
A much-loved part of our sustainability program is our school garden. With the support of parents at working bees, fourteen raised garden beds have been created for student learning.
Each class cares for its own garden bed, where students:
plant seeds and seedlings
maintain and nurture growing plants
harvest fresh produce
These hands-on experiences help students develop responsibility, patience and an appreciation for where food comes from. When produce is plentiful, students may even enjoy an impromptu farmers’ market, celebrating their hard work and shared learning.
A 10,000-litre rainwater tank supports the garden and reinforces learning about water conservation.
Student leadership plays an important role in supporting sustainability at Donvale Primary School. Each class elects two Environmental Leaders, giving students meaningful opportunities to contribute to caring for our school environment.
Environmental Leaders work with their classmates and teachers to:
promote sustainable practices across the school
support recycling and waste reduction initiatives
raise awareness of environmental issues
share ideas for making our school more sustainable
This leadership role helps students develop responsibility, teamwork and confidence, while reinforcing the idea that everyone can make a positive difference.
Through sustainability learning and leadership opportunities, students at Donvale Primary School develop:
respect for the environment
practical skills for everyday life
problem-solving and responsibility
a sense of agency and care for their community
Our approach supports students to become thoughtful, informed and responsible citizens who understand the importance of caring for our world.
