The stimulus that our government recently provided to our primary and secondary schools has not gone unnoticed. All around Australia, schools are being renovated and refurbished. The money going into programs that will benefit the students and their future education.
Last night our Rotary Club held its meeting with parents and staff at the Bentleigh Secondary College which is very near our home. The school is well-known for its exceptional environmental sustainability program as they have created their own wetlands area where students can see first hand the impact of water collection, use and re-use. The wetlands collect water and the overflow is pumped into massive water tanks where the water is then used for various purposes around the school. There is also an underground watering system for their school ovals thus minimising the evaporation and loss of water above ground. The school also has the reputation of having a good musical program and last night, the performing arts group was practicing drama for an upcoming show.
Classrooms are now open plan and free flowing to encourage collaboration. Gone are the days where the teacher is behind his/her desk on a platform above the students and the students at their desk. All year groups have their own 'sections' of a massive building (eg Year 8 section) and they move from one space to another for their lessons. Teachers are on display and effectively, it is a more conducive environment to learning and less confrontational.
The website is on: http://www.bentleighsc.vic.edu.au/
The school staff and parents treated us to a dinner and then we presented what Rotary is about and how we are looking for opportunities to partner with schools in the local area.
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