TOOLEYBUC Central School recently played host to the Petaurus Education Group Inc which is a group providing free environmental education initiatives encouraging young people in regional communities to become responsible custodians of local landscapes, waterways, biodiversity and First Nations culture.
The 42 students participating in the immersive, fun activities were able to develop a stronger connection with the local environment through interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
Held on Tuesday, June 25 the field day event involved students participating in several activities on topics such as water health, biodiversity and endemic plants, the importance of responsible waste management as well as local Wadi Wadi cultural knowledge.
The day started with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Aunty Marilyn Nicholls who also helped students to increase their understanding of the importance of caring for Country.
The Murray River: The Lifeblood of Our Community project assists students in the Murray River region to access diverse and innovative learning experiences and is funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Tooleybuc Central School principal, Melanie Wait, said that the students certainly enjoyed the action-packed day.
“It was great to have so many science-based activities,” she said.
Local guest presenters joined Petaurus Education Group to ensure that the program was relevant to, and informed by, the community, including Tahlia Stewart from Western Murray Land Improvement Group/Landcare.
The Field Day forms part of a wider project in the Murray River local government area to increase the engagement of young people in local, cultural and environmental topics.
Developed in 2014 Petaurus Education Group manages and delivers a diverse range of community-based environmental projects across upper Victoria and regional NSW with a commitment to providing free environmental education programs to rural schools, empowering students to become active and engaged members of their community and responsible environmental stewards.
