During April, the Golden Hill Steiner School Environment Committee gathered for our inaugural meeting. We devised our purpose and core objectives, as well as reviewing what the school has achieved so far. We then considered what we would like to bring to fruition going forward, while eating cake and being gently rained on by blossoms from the beautiful red flowering gum over our heads!

As a committee, we aim to facilitate the caring of Boodja through the engagement and education of students, teachers and the wider community. Our core objectives are:

- Practical care of the school grounds e.g. weeding, creek beds

- Maintaining biodynamic status of the school

- Education of students to facilitate knowledge of, and spiritual connection to, Country/ Boodja

- Education and engagement of school community e.g. busy bees

Some of the wonderful things we have achieved so far as a school are netting the orchard, weeding the creek line, collaborating with South Coast Bushland Carers Association to manage invasive weeds, embedding composting as part of classroom routines and so much more! We are also really grateful for the beautiful sense of garden design Matthew has brought to our school, building on the passionate work previously done by Katja.

Going forward, some of the things we would like to achieve are to continue weed maintenance involving classes using grids and the Bradley Method, to link the Noongar story of the ‘Carers of Everything’ with areas of care, promote ‘Hands in the Earth Day’, slow the flow of the creek, plant a food forest and establish fire retardant species near school buildings.

Committee members, Ashley, Renee, Bruce, Neal, Pamela, Kristi and Matt would like to extend an invitation to any community members who would like to be a part of the committee to come along to our next meeting on the 18th of June by the four square court, or email Reneé at renee@goldenhill.wa.edu.au . We hope to see you there!

Reneé Schipp

Environment Committee Coordinator