Environment & Sustainability

Updated: August 17, 2022

Here at Brunswick East Primary School, we take our responsibilities towards our local and global communities seriously. Over recent years many people have invested a great deal of time and energy in working towards making BEPS a Five Star Sustainable School. This is an official recognition of good sustainability and environmentally sensitive practices, awarded by the Victorian Government.

We are currently working through the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic program – a government initiative – to complete the final modules (a ‘core’ module and a biodiversity module), which will result in Five Star Sustainability Certification.

We are linked with a facilitator from CERES, who provides guidance on achieving and, most importantly, maintaining our Sustainability Certification.

An essential element of the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic program is the need for schools to embed sustainability in everything they do. Across the school, we are engaged in a range of practices that embed these ideas, from collecting water under the taps to deeply embedded curriculum priorities.

Over the years, BEPS has established a vibrant kitchen garden that links the children to their world through the propagation and harvesting of the plants and observations of change throughout the seasons. We heartily compost and recycle classroom waste.

Environment and sustainability is very much part of the community dialogue here at BEPS, and over the years our regular fundraising markets and annual Twilight market have become increasingly greener.

In addition to this whole school approach, we also have a dedicated Environment and Sustainability Committee consisting of teacher and parent members. The children are also involved in the community dialogue through the Active and Sustainable Travel and Environment Action Teams.

Please check this page regularly for updates on our pending Five Star certification, information about the children’s environmental initiatives and environment, and sustainability in the curriculum.

Dishwasher How-To Guide

If you are a BEPS community member planning to use the dishwasher in the Art Room Community Kitchen, you should watch this instructional video first.