SCHOOLS SUMMIT OFFERS LESSON IN SUST

REGIONAL schools in North and far north Queensland joined together yesterday in an online Sustainable Schools Summit streamed from St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Keynote speaker Craig Reucassel said the summit allowed students and schools to learn from each other.

“This event was the perfect example of what governments should be funding to bring schools in regional areas together so they can share their stories and build their capacities to prepare students for the sustainability challenges communities are facing,” he said.

Townsville and Cairns mayors took part in the summit to demonstrate their support for the opportunity schools have to scale change, not just in education, but also in the environment, the economy and in health and wellbeing. Cairns Regional Council supported the online event with students from local schools taking part from the council chambers.

Sustainable Schools Network CEO Katie Norman said it was great some students could get together in person for this event.

“COVID meant the council couldn’t run their school-based sustainability program this year so it was great to see students getting together in person for the summit,” she said.

“We’re so pleased these local schools had the chance to interact in person and share the steps they’re taking around sustainability.

“The event was an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and school operational leaders to learn about leading sustainability initiatives at other local schools.

”A highlight was seeing how the Malanda

State School Principal made his way into the Guinness World Records on National Ride To School Day.”

Mrs Norman said the participation of Mr Reucassel as the host of this regional summit would also give rise to hope and give inspiration after the difficult times experienced in 2020.

“Queenslanders have demonstrated that we have been able to adapt to COVID-19.

“And this event will provide our young people with the opportunity to step back and reflect upon their ability to face change and really consider if the previous assumptions about learning including Educating for Sustainability are acceptable or whether we, as part of a whole of school community, can do better,” she said.