A class act

A

CLASS ACT

Critically Endangered Orange-bellied Parrots are at risk of extinction, but some eager young conservationists and their teachers are doing all they can to stop this from happening.

WORDS Alegria Alano

he Year 4 students at Grey Street Primary School in Traralgon have a special responsibility. Guided by teachers, Linda Bristow-Hood and Debbie Guy, they’re working on a yearlong project to raise awareness Tand funds for an animal in Zoos Victoria’s Fighting Extinction program.

“This year, they each researched an Endangered species, then took a vote and chose the Orange-bellied Parrot,” says Linda, who is a Zoos Victoria Member.

Linda’s love of animals was the catalyst that first brought the program to Grey Street Primary School two years ago. “I love all animals and know how children respond to them – they’ve got that innate love for them as well,” she says.

After approaching Zoos Victoria about adopting an animal, the school was invited to be part of the Fighting Extinction Schools program — something that Linda, fellow Year 4 teacher Debbie and the students were all excited about.

“When Linda suggested the Fighting Extinction Schools program, we were all on board,” says Debbie. “I think animal conservation is an important concept that children can grasp.”

Orange-bellied Parrot facts

They are migratory birds.

In summer they breed in Tasmania and spend winter in coastal Victoria and South Australia.

There are fewer than 50 Orange-bellied Parrots in the wild.

Above: Year 4 students at Grey Street Primary School in Traralgon

Since becoming involved, the school has raised almost $10,000 for the program, with proceeds supporting the Baw Baw Frog and the Southern Brushtailed Rock-wallaby. Now the Year 4 students are aiming for similar results for the Orange-bellied Parrot.

The student-led program promotes conservation, but also teaches empowerment. “They run the project, own the project and drive the project — and we support them,” says Debbie. “As a teacher, it’s extremely rewarding,” Linda adds.

Students held a casual clothes day – with gold coin donations – to kick off this year’s fundraising. They’re now planning a sausage sizzle and are writing letters to local businesses for support. They have engaged with the wider school community by presenting talks and are even taking their advocacy into their own homes. At recent parent-teacher interviews, parents expressed how much they have learned about Orange-bellied Parrots and the children’s efforts to save them.

In Term Four, students will host a ‘Parrot Party’, with market stalls and games for the school. “It’s a lot of work, but the students love it because they take ownership of what they’re going to present. They have to be responsible for organising it and seeing it through,” says Linda.

Debbie explains how being responsible for the Fighting Extinction program at the school helps the students see themselves as role models for action on animal conservation.

Linda and Debbie agree that a deep understanding of animals gained through an involvement with Zoos Victoria helps provide inspiration.

“The children connect with something that they love and enjoy learning about,” says Debbie. “We’re building people who develop that empathy and care for the environment, which is important — after all, the planet will one day belong to them.” ZN

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Learn more about the Orangebellied Parrot in our Beyond Mega Zoo series. Click here to watch the video