Caring for the Environment

At St Clare's Catholic Primary School, Narellan Vale, our students and staff take an active role in being stewards of creation and 'caring for our common home’.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, our school community understands that we have to respond to the environmental challenges of the 21st century with creative and thoughtful planning, education and concrete actions that can make a difference to the health of our planet, all people and all creatures.

Environmental Stewardship at St Clare's

At St Clare's, we are deeply committed to environmental sustainability and ecological education, guided by the principles of Laudato Si'. Our whole-school approach empowers students and staff to take meaningful action in caring for our common home.

Student and Staff Leadership

Student Parliamentary Environmental Committee: Leading student-driven sustainability initiatives.
Staff Environmental Coordinator: Supporting and guiding environmental programs across the school.
Staff Professional Development: Equipping educators to integrate environmental learning and action into teaching.

Curriculum and Learning Spaces

Curriculum Integration: Embedding environmental awareness and sustainability across subjects.
Outdoor Learning Spaces: Encouraging connection with nature through hands-on experiences.
Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Gardens: Promoting healthy living and ecological responsibility.
Sensory Garden and Labyrinth: Providing reflective spaces that connect spirituality and nature.

Sustainable Practices

Waste Management System: Including recycling and composting of organic waste.
Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Featuring solar panels and green, ethical catering.
Waste-Free (Nude Food) Lunches: Encouraging Minimal Packaging and Responsible Consumption.
Canteen Waste Reduction: Implementing sustainable practices in food service.

Faith and Action

Celebration of the 'World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation' and the 'Season of Creation'.
Spiritual Formation for Staff: Deepening understanding of Laudato Si' and its call to ecological conversion.
Physical 'Acknowledgement of Country'. Embedded within the school grounds to honour the Indigenous connection to land.

Community Engagement

Participation in 'Green Days': Including Clean Up Australia Day, Earth Hour, Tree Day and National Recycling Week.
Active Membership in the Wollongong Environment Network: Collaborating with local organisations for broader impact.

Planning and Vision

School Environment Management Plan (SEMP): A strategic framework guiding key environmental actions and projects.
Reflecting Laudato Si' in Classroom Programs: Connecting faith, learning, and ecological responsibility.

For more information, visit the CEDoW Wollongong Environment Network