On Friday, 2 November, representatives of our SRC and P&F as well as garden enthusiast Ms Joyce made a trip out to Bell school to learn about their position as an 'Eco school'. 

Bell school was awarded silver place in the 'Eco-Schools Keep Australia Beautiful' program in September which is a great achievement in general and especially since they are a small country school. We went to Bell to learn about the program and how it is set up. The program is run by a committee of students, each with a specific role to fulfil. Eco-friendliness and sustainability is incorporated in the curriculum of Year 7 and 8 and although these students are mostly involved, it is a whole school approach and attitude which makes the program a success. 

We learnt about some fantastic ways of recycling paper: one sided printed paper was turned into notebooks and envelopes; 2 sided printed paper was shredded, soaked in water and pressed into paper bricks for burning. The bricks are then being sold with proceeds going to a charity. This way the school involves the greater community as well. It was great to see the students so passionate about what they are doing and the difference they are making. 

Our SRC has been given some great ideas and inspiration to start implementing next year at our school, especially when it involves recycling of paper in class rooms. The P&F is happy to support our students in this when and where they need. 

We would like to thank Bell State School for their hospitality and educating us about their great program.