KPS ENVIRO-NEWS Edition 17– 25 June 09
Hi All,
RECYCLING
Keep up the great work everyone, good to see our Compost Bins nice & full ready for our vegetable gardens – more to follow in Term 3.
Mr McLean’s class a busily designing KPS’s Vegetable Garden layout, our proposed site location for our Chooks and many more interesting areas that will foster sustainable learning at Kerrmuir.
Michael McLean is currently sourcing quotes on fencing and many other items required, if you have any contacts within this industry we would love to hear from you.
WATER
Water tank installation is well underway & hopefully out of the car park by now…We want to thank all the Plumbers working at the school & Dion at G Store for all his time and expertise.
A big thank you to G-Store for their Donation to KPS – we have a large aboveground Steel Planter Box measuring 1m high x 2.4 wide – which will be used in our New Veggie Patch area.
KPS Gardens & Grounds
Thank you to all parents & students who have offered their time and been enthusiastic about our Gardens & little painting project over this term, without you this could not have been achieved – Many thanks.
Painting of the Toilet wall is almost complete, Julia Weston has done a brilliant job on bringing a fresh, fun colorful aspect to one of our main entries at school.
Julia had some of the kids in 2A help with the flowers, they did a fantastic job, thank you to Georgia Papamicheal, Maya Weston,Airi Weston, Jade Bardwell and Jordy Macdonald, Great job kids!
Planting & Edging should be complete this week also. Spraying of weeds will be finalized on the school holidays, Green Thumbs were planning to meet on Thursday 2 July @ 10.30am for some light gardening – weather pending. We look forward to starting work in the middle school gardens – Eating area.
Environment Sub-Convener Meeting
Our next meeting will be Monday 13th July at 6.30pm in the staff room, all welcome.
Energy
KPS has had their solar up & running for almost 4 weeks now, we should be able to assess how much energy has been consumed & fed to the grid on our next Electricity Bill.
Over the school holidays our Solar will be feeding the grid quite rapidly as there will not be as much power being used – this is a great saving on our power bill & our Environment footprint!
Enviro News Online
This is our last paper copy of the Enviro News, we are wanting to set the example of going paperless and moving to an Electronic Newsletter, Enviro News will be available on the Kerrimuir Website, under the sustainability Tab. http://www.kerrimuirps.vic.edu.au
We hope to be able to have an E-Newsletter for all our communications and continue to Save Resources and use less paper.
If you would be interested in receiving an Electronic Newsletter via email or link, and no longer receiving a paper format, please register your interest below. This is only a registration process to gauge the interest level of parents/carers – subject to authorization by Principal & school council.
Registration for KPS E-Newsletter – (save Energy – save Resources)
Name:________________________________________________________________________________
Email:_______________________________________________________________________________
Childs Class/Teacher ________________________________________________________________
Date_________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
KPS ENVIRO-NEWS Edition 16– 18 June 09
Hi All,
WELCOME THE WATER TANKS
KPS will have their new Steel water tanks installed this week, look out for them in the Caged Area near the library/Junior School Building. Diagram below shows us how it all works – all we need is rain
Why Steel?
Strength of steel
Steel tanks do not bulge or stretch when full. The strength of steel means the tanks comfortably hold the large forces generated by tonnes of water. Steel tanks have been around for more than 100 years so the structural long life is a proven fact. In addition this strength will not deteriorate over time under the harsh Australian sun as with other materials.
Longer life
In the early days steel tanks where just plain galvanised steel and after many years could begin to rust from the inside. This is a thing of the past with modern tank steel which has a long life polymer coating. This polymer coating is on the inside of the tank walls and on both sides of the base (inside and out). The water never touches the steel and now the tanks carry a 20 year warranty against corrosion! The strength of steel and the longevity of polymer coating.........best of both worlds.
These tanks are also Fully Recyclable with a low environmental foot-print compared with other tank materials used.
The Rainbank – how it all works..
RECYCLING
All our Recycling Bins, General Waste & Garden Organics Bins will be moved to the Caged Bin Area behind the canteen in the car-park. There will be clear access for bins to be brought out each day.
Keep up your ‘rubbish free’ lunch boxes!
KPS Gardens & Grounds
Thank you to all parents & students who are always helping with works around the school, Wednesdays have been a little wet & cold which has kept us away, all back in full force now to finish the garden in front of the Toilets.
All welcome to the next Environment Meeting on 13th July 2009 @ 6.30pm – staff room.
WELCOME THE WATER TANKS
KPS will have their new Steel water tanks installed this week, look out for them in the Caged Area near the library/Junior School Building. Diagram below shows us how it all works – all we need is rain
Why Steel?
Strength of steel
Steel tanks do not bulge or stretch when full. The strength of steel means the tanks comfortably hold the large forces generated by tonnes of water. Steel tanks have been around for more than 100 years so the structural long life is a proven fact. In addition this strength will not deteriorate over time under the harsh Australian sun as with other materials.
Longer life
In the early days steel tanks where just plain galvanised steel and after many years could begin to rust from the inside. This is a thing of the past with modern tank steel which has a long life polymer coating. This polymer coating is on the inside of the tank walls and on both sides of the base (inside and out). The water never touches the steel and now the tanks carry a 20 year warranty against corrosion! The strength of steel and the longevity of polymer coating.........best of both worlds.
These tanks are also Fully Recyclable with a low environmental foot-print compared with other tank materials used.
The Rainbank – how it all works..
RECYCLING
All our Recycling Bins, General Waste & Garden Organics Bins will be moved to the Caged Bin Area behind the canteen in the car-park. There will be clear access for bins to be brought out each day.
Keep up your ‘rubbish free’ lunch boxes!
KPS Gardens & Grounds
Thank you to all parents & students who are always helping with works around the school, Wednesdays have been a little wet & cold which has kept us away, all back in full force now to finish the garden in front of the Toilets.
All welcome to the next Environment Meeting on 13th July 2009 @ 6.30pm – staff room.
Monday, June 8, 2009
KPS ENVIRO-NEWS Edition 15 – 11 June 09
Hi All,
I hope you all enjoyed your long-weekend, The cold spell is fast approaching & this rain has been wonderful for our gardens & water tanks.
WATER
If you have a few spare buckets/ recycled containers please send them along with your child so they can keep collecting water from the drinking bays & tap areas for the gardens. This is a great idea at home too, it is amazing how much water is wasted when washing your hands!
Our Water tanks are almost ready for installation, keep a look out for them in the caged area near the toilets.
RECYCLING
Please endeavour to send your children to school with a rubbish free lunch box (No plastic / paper) There are a great range of containers at most supermarkets these days – think of the savings $$$
Elaine Eastwood from our own KPS Offices told us briefly about her Recycling efforts in our own KPS office,
“ We use Lanier to recycle all Printer Cartridges, We recycle all paper into paper recycling basket & we re-use Manilla folders & binders”
We would love to hear all your RECYCLING, ENERGY, WATER Stories – the KPS Sustainability Blog is open for everyone to join in.
KPS Gardens & Grounds
Thanks to all parents continuing their support / green thumbs around the school on Wednesdays. Thank you to John Respini (Olivia 3v) for the donation of Volcanic Rocks for our Gardens – one of their neighbors in Garden Street offered them to KPS, they will make a great addition to the garden beds and give our mini-beasts a home!
Junior School council and all other students helping around the gardens are doing a wonderful job – keep up the great work. KPS teachers/students are working together each week around the gardens, each Friday Enviro awards are handed out to students – well done to all who have received awards.
TRU ENERGY PROMOTION
At TRUenergy, they are offering Victorians energy efficient light globes and water saving shower heads for your home at no cost. And it's so easy. Just arrange a time and they will send a TRUenergy representative to assess your home's fixtures, and if they can be upgraded, they will install at no cost: If you are not a TRUenergy customer you can join up online or by calling…
YOU CAN SAVE - Up to $2102 on the cost of the globes, shower head and installation
Up to $1303 in savings on your energy bills over the first 12 months and each year after that That's a combined saving of up to $3401 in the first year alone.
Make an appointment today!
So be quick and make an appointment time that suits you.
Log on http://truenergy.com.au/veetsem/form.aspx
If you have any further questions about this complimentary light globe swap, simply call 1300 967 800 and we’ll be happy to help
Call or email with ideas & if you would like to help at KPS - all parents, carers welcome Ellen – 0417700045 / msv1@optusnet.com.au
I hope you all enjoyed your long-weekend, The cold spell is fast approaching & this rain has been wonderful for our gardens & water tanks.
WATER
If you have a few spare buckets/ recycled containers please send them along with your child so they can keep collecting water from the drinking bays & tap areas for the gardens. This is a great idea at home too, it is amazing how much water is wasted when washing your hands!
Our Water tanks are almost ready for installation, keep a look out for them in the caged area near the toilets.
RECYCLING
Please endeavour to send your children to school with a rubbish free lunch box (No plastic / paper) There are a great range of containers at most supermarkets these days – think of the savings $$$
Elaine Eastwood from our own KPS Offices told us briefly about her Recycling efforts in our own KPS office,
“ We use Lanier to recycle all Printer Cartridges, We recycle all paper into paper recycling basket & we re-use Manilla folders & binders”
We would love to hear all your RECYCLING, ENERGY, WATER Stories – the KPS Sustainability Blog is open for everyone to join in.
KPS Gardens & Grounds
Thanks to all parents continuing their support / green thumbs around the school on Wednesdays. Thank you to John Respini (Olivia 3v) for the donation of Volcanic Rocks for our Gardens – one of their neighbors in Garden Street offered them to KPS, they will make a great addition to the garden beds and give our mini-beasts a home!
Junior School council and all other students helping around the gardens are doing a wonderful job – keep up the great work. KPS teachers/students are working together each week around the gardens, each Friday Enviro awards are handed out to students – well done to all who have received awards.
TRU ENERGY PROMOTION
At TRUenergy, they are offering Victorians energy efficient light globes and water saving shower heads for your home at no cost. And it's so easy. Just arrange a time and they will send a TRUenergy representative to assess your home's fixtures, and if they can be upgraded, they will install at no cost: If you are not a TRUenergy customer you can join up online or by calling…
YOU CAN SAVE - Up to $2102 on the cost of the globes, shower head and installation
Up to $1303 in savings on your energy bills over the first 12 months and each year after that That's a combined saving of up to $3401 in the first year alone.
Make an appointment today!
So be quick and make an appointment time that suits you.
Log on http://truenergy.com.au/veetsem/form.aspx
If you have any further questions about this complimentary light globe swap, simply call 1300 967 800 and we’ll be happy to help
Call or email with ideas & if you would like to help at KPS - all parents, carers welcome Ellen – 0417700045 / msv1@optusnet.com.au
Monday, June 1, 2009
KPS Enviro News Edition 14 June 4, 2009
KPS ENVIRO-NEWS Edition 14 – 3 June 09
>
SOLAR UP & RUNNING @ KERRIMUIR, How it all works - A Dummy’s guide to solar
A solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells, usually 36 all told, varying in size depending upon the watt/amp rating of the panel. These cells are made from two very thin silicon wafers approximately 1 mm thick; one with a positive charge and the other negatively charged.
When exposed to the sun's rays, electron activity is generated which is captured by a grid of very fine finger-like electrical contacts distributed across the panel. This is then channeled through the junction box on the back of the panel and emerges as DC (direct current) electricity
Covering the silicon wafers is a layer of toughened glass, usually around 3mm thick. It has to be strong enough to withstand hail, extreme temperatures and a degree of flexing, but thin enough not to filter out or reflect appreciable amounts of light.
The back of the solar panel is made from Aluminium and the panel is set into an aluminium frame.
Once the juice (power) exits the panels, it travels along cabling to the Inverter, which in-turn feeds the Grid via the Smart Meter (Biodirectional Meter)we have created Electricity.
Makes it all sound relatively simple doesn't it? I'm still in awe that sun shining on silicon and a bit of wiring can generate electricity
KPS Gardens & Grounds
Thank you for all the donations of natives for our ‘Six Seasons’ plantings on Wednesday, Many thanks to parents (Gavan, Mel, Rachel), teachers & students who all participated & supported this project, we are glad to have this in line with supporting World Environment Day which is on Friday 5th June, 2009, we are all planting natives.
We can all do our part to protect the planet by using less and acting more. Going green is not as difficult as you might think. So many easy ways to green your daily routine, from the moment you hit snooze on your solar-powered alarm clock to the point when you crawl into your eco-washed, organic cotton sheets, rubbish free lunch-boxes for your children!
Thanks to Julia for continuing her great project on the Toilet Wall, and to all families who support all our initiatives.
Support World Environment Day on Friday 5th June 2009- plant a tree @ home! Visit www.unep.org/wed/
RECYCLING
Our Yellow top recycling bins are over-flowing – KPS are producing far too much waste (especially paper) We need to look at ways of reducing our paper usage as a whole in the school & re-using as much as we can.
As an advocate of this initiative Environment Committee has decided to only publish the Enviro News onto our Blog which is on the KPS website – this will commence in Term 3.
We will continue with paper for this term only, please log on & read all our updates, let us know all about your Recycling, Energy & Water news, get your children to write up a small article. We would love to know how everyone is contributing & making a difference.
Call or email with ideas & if you would like to help - Ellen – 0417700045 / msv1@optusnet.com.au
>
SOLAR UP & RUNNING @ KERRIMUIR, How it all works - A Dummy’s guide to solar
A solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells, usually 36 all told, varying in size depending upon the watt/amp rating of the panel. These cells are made from two very thin silicon wafers approximately 1 mm thick; one with a positive charge and the other negatively charged.
When exposed to the sun's rays, electron activity is generated which is captured by a grid of very fine finger-like electrical contacts distributed across the panel. This is then channeled through the junction box on the back of the panel and emerges as DC (direct current) electricity
Covering the silicon wafers is a layer of toughened glass, usually around 3mm thick. It has to be strong enough to withstand hail, extreme temperatures and a degree of flexing, but thin enough not to filter out or reflect appreciable amounts of light.
The back of the solar panel is made from Aluminium and the panel is set into an aluminium frame.
Once the juice (power) exits the panels, it travels along cabling to the Inverter, which in-turn feeds the Grid via the Smart Meter (Biodirectional Meter)we have created Electricity.
Makes it all sound relatively simple doesn't it? I'm still in awe that sun shining on silicon and a bit of wiring can generate electricity
KPS Gardens & Grounds
Thank you for all the donations of natives for our ‘Six Seasons’ plantings on Wednesday, Many thanks to parents (Gavan, Mel, Rachel), teachers & students who all participated & supported this project, we are glad to have this in line with supporting World Environment Day which is on Friday 5th June, 2009, we are all planting natives.
We can all do our part to protect the planet by using less and acting more. Going green is not as difficult as you might think. So many easy ways to green your daily routine, from the moment you hit snooze on your solar-powered alarm clock to the point when you crawl into your eco-washed, organic cotton sheets, rubbish free lunch-boxes for your children!
Thanks to Julia for continuing her great project on the Toilet Wall, and to all families who support all our initiatives.
Support World Environment Day on Friday 5th June 2009- plant a tree @ home! Visit www.unep.org/wed/
RECYCLING
Our Yellow top recycling bins are over-flowing – KPS are producing far too much waste (especially paper) We need to look at ways of reducing our paper usage as a whole in the school & re-using as much as we can.
As an advocate of this initiative Environment Committee has decided to only publish the Enviro News onto our Blog which is on the KPS website – this will commence in Term 3.
We will continue with paper for this term only, please log on & read all our updates, let us know all about your Recycling, Energy & Water news, get your children to write up a small article. We would love to know how everyone is contributing & making a difference.
Call or email with ideas & if you would like to help - Ellen – 0417700045 / msv1@optusnet.com.au
KPS Enviro News Edition 13, May28, 2009
KPS ENVIRO-NEWS Edition 13 - 28 May09
SIX SEASONS – PLANTS NEEDED….
Hi All,
Thanks to those who have brought along natives to fill our gardens up, we appreciate it…
All those who haven’t & still want to, please visit your local Nursery, Bunnings or Greenlink (open Tuesday mornings 9-12am) only.
These will be our final plantings around this area, they are low growing plants flowering in these seasons.
Please bring your plants along to your classroom teacher, a day of planting will be organized soon after. We hope all families can bring a plant along with their child.
Preps – Early Spring
Small Leaf Clematis & Yam Daisy & Running Postman
Grade 1 & Grade 2 – True Spring
Chocolate Lily & Sticky Everlasting & Yellow Buttons
Grade 3 – High Summer
Kangaroo Grass & Bluebells
Grade 4 – Late Summer
Violets & Scaly Buttons
Grade 5 – Early Winter Grade 6 – Deep Winter
1. Ruby Saltbush Kidney Weed & Smooth Flax Lily
WATER
Our BHP Steel Tanks are currently being made by TankMaster – they are approximately 3 weeks away. Bob our Green Plumber will be commencing preparation works near the toilets – for those of you who don’t know, the old bin area will become our Water Tank Location – we then need to wish, hope & pray for lots of rain.
ENERGY
David in IT has kindly organized the Sustainability Link on Kerrimuir’s website - please take a look, I am also loading Enviro News through a Blog onto our website also – would love to hear from everyone.
JEMENA will be installing a Smart Meter today (Thursday 27 May) at Kerrimuir which technically means our solar power is up & running feeding the grid – we will be able to monitor all these energy savings, watch this in real-time on our website & measure it with special gadgets, more to come soon.
RECYCLING
Thanks to all who are recycling in the Paper/Cardboard bins, Garden Organic Bins have been a great help with our Green thumbs gardening & our composting is over-flowing! We hope to introduce worm farms to cater for all these fruit scraps and keep the compost as healthy as possible.
RUBBISH FREE LUNCHBOXES – this helps !
WEDNESDAY GREEN THUMBS – turned painters???
Thanks again to all parents each week who continually support the school, you all know who you are!
A BIG THANKS to Mel Pridmore (Olivia 3V) & Racheal Simpson (Holly & Jamie) who painted effortlessly on Wednesday with me & Friday to prepare the walls for Julia Weston’s masterpiece – keep a look out everyone, this will be a fresh, colourful new look for the school & come along to join us around the grounds, there is plenty to do – would love to see more parents there.
ENVIRONMENT SUB-CONVENER MEETINGS - June 1st, 2009
SIX SEASONS – PLANTS NEEDED….
Hi All,
Thanks to those who have brought along natives to fill our gardens up, we appreciate it…
All those who haven’t & still want to, please visit your local Nursery, Bunnings or Greenlink (open Tuesday mornings 9-12am) only.
These will be our final plantings around this area, they are low growing plants flowering in these seasons.
Please bring your plants along to your classroom teacher, a day of planting will be organized soon after. We hope all families can bring a plant along with their child.
Preps – Early Spring
Small Leaf Clematis & Yam Daisy & Running Postman
Grade 1 & Grade 2 – True Spring
Chocolate Lily & Sticky Everlasting & Yellow Buttons
Grade 3 – High Summer
Kangaroo Grass & Bluebells
Grade 4 – Late Summer
Violets & Scaly Buttons
Grade 5 – Early Winter Grade 6 – Deep Winter
1. Ruby Saltbush Kidney Weed & Smooth Flax Lily
WATER
Our BHP Steel Tanks are currently being made by TankMaster – they are approximately 3 weeks away. Bob our Green Plumber will be commencing preparation works near the toilets – for those of you who don’t know, the old bin area will become our Water Tank Location – we then need to wish, hope & pray for lots of rain.
ENERGY
David in IT has kindly organized the Sustainability Link on Kerrimuir’s website - please take a look, I am also loading Enviro News through a Blog onto our website also – would love to hear from everyone.
JEMENA will be installing a Smart Meter today (Thursday 27 May) at Kerrimuir which technically means our solar power is up & running feeding the grid – we will be able to monitor all these energy savings, watch this in real-time on our website & measure it with special gadgets, more to come soon.
RECYCLING
Thanks to all who are recycling in the Paper/Cardboard bins, Garden Organic Bins have been a great help with our Green thumbs gardening & our composting is over-flowing! We hope to introduce worm farms to cater for all these fruit scraps and keep the compost as healthy as possible.
RUBBISH FREE LUNCHBOXES – this helps !
WEDNESDAY GREEN THUMBS – turned painters???
Thanks again to all parents each week who continually support the school, you all know who you are!
A BIG THANKS to Mel Pridmore (Olivia 3V) & Racheal Simpson (Holly & Jamie) who painted effortlessly on Wednesday with me & Friday to prepare the walls for Julia Weston’s masterpiece – keep a look out everyone, this will be a fresh, colourful new look for the school & come along to join us around the grounds, there is plenty to do – would love to see more parents there.
ENVIRONMENT SUB-CONVENER MEETINGS - June 1st, 2009
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