A group of young environmental activists, Stephanie, Adelle and Kiera, are helping to keep Brimbank’s waterways healthy. 69121 Picture DAMJAN JANEVSKI
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
A GROUP of environmentally aware students from Copperfield College last week received a prestigious award for their work on protecting local waterways.
The environment leadership team from the school’s Sydenham Junior campus were presented with the Victorian Science and Mathematics Education Excellence Award and received a $10,000 grant which will go towards further environmental studies at the school.
The group, led by captain Stephanie Tedesco, hosted a youth conference with six other local schools to investigate ways to protect and promote the health of local waterways.
Stephanie, 16, said the conference, which bought together over 100 pupils from across Brimbank with the help of the Brimbank Council, City West Water and the Iramoo Sustainable Centre, was all about “kids teaching kids”.
“The conferences were run completely by students,” the Year 11 student said.
“It’s so important that we get an understanding of the importance of our local environment.”
The science student said while the group was surprised to receive the award, the money would go a long way to improving the youth conferences, which they plan to continue well into the future.
Maths and science teacher Anna Vella said the grant would allow the school to provide transport for other schools to attend the conference and would also help the school provide a two-day conference.
“Teaching is different to putting theory into practice,” Ms Vella said.
“With the money we can do a two-day program, which will allow the students to put into practice what they have learnt.”
Education Minister Martin Dixon said the awards recognised schools which have developed innovative partnerships with industry, tertiary and community organisations to provide students with real opportunities to explore the world of science and maths.
“The school is keeping students engaged and enthusiastic about science and maths through this wonderful program, and I applaud the teachers, school leaders and the school’s partners for their good work,” Mr Dixon said.
