This week Mayor Cr. Steve Allan attended Orama Public School to congratulate the school and its students for completing the Waterwise program and to present them with a certificate recognising their achievements and commitment to being waterwise.
The Waterwise Schools Program is an innovative program that helps students learn about the water cycle, where our water comes from, how to conserve water and how to keep our rivers clean. The program is part-funded by Bellingen Shire Council and delivered by Cascade Environmental Education Centre.
Orama Public School first received accreditation under the Waterwise program in 2021 and has recently completed a refresher course. During the program students conducted water audits, checked for leaks and came up with strategies to save water.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan was pleased to present the students with their Waterwise certificate and hear what they had learned about saving water. Students gave helpful suggestions, such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth and reusing shower water in the garden.
“It’s great to see our young learners stepping up and getting involved in water conservation initiatives,” said Mayor Allan.
“Keeping our catchment and waterways clean and conserving this precious resource is important for our whole community. I strongly encourage all schools to get involved in the Waterwise program as it has so much to offer both in and beyond the classroom.”
Waterwise Educator, Veda Crossley, is proud of the students and what they achieved.
“The students at Orama Public School were so enthusiastic. They asked lots of questions about where our water comes from and completed lots of different activities. Many students proudly went home and told their parents what they had learned, which helps to amplify the impact in the community.”
The Waterwise initiative has been running since 2007, working to increase water literacy in our communities. It is available to all schools, both public and independent at no cost to the schools. It is linked to curriculum frameworks across all major learning areas, promotes active citizenship and encourages community involvement.
To get your school involved contact Cascade Environmental Education Centre on 6657 4188.
Waterwise Educator Veda Crossley, Orama Public School Principal Tasmyn Lessells, and Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Cr. Steve Allan at the presentation of Orama Public School’s Waterwise certification