Maddingley
Staughton Vale Ambassadors promote Environmental Awareness
Throughout Semester Two, the Staughton Vale Maddingley Ambassadors, supported by the Year 6 and Year 8 Environmental Captains, are leading a series of environmental awareness initiatives designed to inspire the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community to take positive action for the environment.
Students are encouraged to keep an eye out for the pop-up environmental awareness stalls, held near the Senior School Canteen during Monday lunchtimes. These interactive stalls provide opportunities to learn about important environmental issues, participate in hands-on horticultural activities and discover practical ways to make a positive difference.
In August, students will celebrate Landcare Week, learning about the importance of indigenous planting and how native vegetation supports local wildlife, improves biodiversity and creates healthier ecosystems.
During September, the focus shifts to Save a Koala Day, highlighting the importance of protecting one of Australia’s most iconic native species. Students will explore the challenges facing koalas, including habitat loss, and discover how planting indigenous trees and restoring natural habitats can contribute to their conservation.
In October, the ambassadors will showcase Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s environmental initiatives as part of the Bacchus Marsh Grammar Flower and Garden Show. The awareness stall will celebrate the school’s commitment to sustainability while encouraging students to become involved in gardening, conservation and environmental stewardship.
The semester concludes in November with a focus on creating pollinator-friendly gardens. Students will learn about the essential role bees, butterflies and other pollinators play in supporting biodiversity and food production before exploring how simple planting choices can provide valuable habitat for these important species.
These monthly awareness days provide an opportunity for students to learn, participate and be inspired by the leadership of their peers. We encourage everyone to visit the pop-up stalls, chat with the Staughton Vale Maddingley Ambassadors and Environmental Captains, and take part in the activities. Every conversation and every small action help build a more sustainable future for our school and our wider community.
David Gorton – Head of Campus (Staughton Vale)
Woodlea
Staughton Vale Ambassadors – Rope Bridges
Recently, the Woodlea Staughton Vale Ambassadors (SVA) visited Staughton Vale to continue working on their biodiversity conservation project and to hang rope bridges up in the trees near the nesting boxes. SVA have been building multiple rope bridges throughout the year, in the hope of protecting Brush-Tailed Phascogales from predators when travelling from tree to tree.
At the start of the day, we finished off building additional rope bridges and then set off on a hike to our conservation corridor. Despite the cold weather, every student worked with others to ensure the rope bridges were securely attached to the trees and that each nesting box had a rope bridge attached to it. These rope bridges will allow a safe and efficient pathway for Brush-Tailed Phascogales to access the nesting boxes that the Woodlea Staughton Vale Ambassadors have built and put up last year.
Near the end of the day, SVA concluded the day by brainstorming ideas for the upcoming STEM showcase to raise awareness about conserving native Australian flora and fauna that are currently facing the risk of extinction.
Thank you to all the staff who supported and helped on the day!
Kushpreet K 11WB and Summer L 11WD – Staughton Vale Ambassadors