By YASEMIN TALAT
AN Altona kindergarten teacher has been recognised for her long service and efforts in educating young children about environmental sustainability.
Liz Ryan has been a kindergarten teacher at Somers Parade for 10 years.
And during those 10 years she has spent a lot of time working with the Somers Parade Kindergarten community in developing environmental sustainability programs within the kinder.
The Hobsons Bay City Council presented Ms Ryan with a Certificate of Appreciation for her years of service at the kindergarten and for her innovative environmental sustainability programs.
“I can’t have done it all on my own,” Ms Ryan said.
“I feel very honoured and proud,” she said.
“I’m very dedicated and I love my job, I’ve been awarded in so many ways more than I could have ever thought possible.”
Ms Ryan has initiated a sustainable environment at the kindergarten, which includes a vegetable garden, apple and nectarine trees, a worm farm, compost bin, a recycling system and a rainwater river garden.
“It’s to teach them about their world and the environment and how to keep it safe and appreciate the environment that they are surrounded by,” she said.
She said the children also enjoyed looking after the kindergarten’s chooks and guinea pigs.
“They care for the animals, they’re their pets,” she said.
Ms Ryan said she has been happy watching her projects evolve.
“I had a vision that I wanted children to come to an environment where they can feel at home and they can feel part of the community and the kindergarten and to just come in and play and enjoy their time here.”
