Green thumbs at York Public School

Stuart ayreS MP, Member for Penrith visited york Public School to announce funding through the NSW Government’s $10 million Sustainable Schools Grants program.

Stuart ayres said this investment by the NSW Government will deliver hands-on, sustainable focused projects that link to the NSW Curriculum.

“I am thrilled that york Public School are taking part in this project that will encourage kids to get out and have a green thumb,” Stuart ayres said.

“this is a student-led program that’s focused on improving the environment at schools, and this funding will empower students and school communities to implement projects that will benefit the environment by helping to save energy or water, reduce waste, or improve biodiversity.” the Growing Garden will provide opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Children will design, plant, nurture, harvest, and eat the produce that they grow, and will be introduced to sustainability, creativity, and physical interaction with the land. the cross-curricular initiative will drive school pride and well-being. Other areas of focus include waste reduction initiatives, such as return and earn collections and vermicomposting, as well as water conservation initiatives including the installation of wicking garden beds.

“I am looking forward to seeing this wonderful project soon come to life at york Public School.”

Minister for education and early Learning

Sarah Mitchell said all NSW public schools and preschools were encouraged to apply for funding of up to $15,000 to deliver practical, sustainability focused projects for their students.

“I’m proud the NSW Government has made it a priority to help schools create innovative hands-on projects to make our NSW school environments more sustainable,” Ms Mitchell said. the grants are part of a four-year, $10 million program that is designed to help students learn about environmentally sustainable practices. the third round of grants included programs to improve biodiversity and connect students to nature; resource efficiency (energy, water, waste); environmental education or behavioural change projects; and capacity building projects. the NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. this builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.

Successful round 4 grant recipients will be announced during term 1 2023.