Students at St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School Dulwich Hill have been levelling up on their sustainability efforts through OzHarvest’s FEAST program. 

The FEAST (Food Education and Sustainability Training) program is a curriculum-aligned program, inspiring students to eat healthy food, waste less and become change-makers in their local community.

Throughout Term 3, students at St Paul of the Cross have taken the challenge head on, participating in a variety of engaging theory and practical lessons each week.

From cooking in the classroom to learning the science and technology of food production, students have been deepening their understanding of sustainability and how they can apply their new-found knowledge in their everyday lives. 

One week for example saw students investigate what sort of foods are wasted in their own homes – after discovering that bananas were among the most commonly wasted foods, students then learnt how to make a variety of foods using bananas. 

Alexandra Mangraviti, Assistant Principal at St Paul of the Cross, said the FEAST program has been a real game changer for the school.  

“We realised the importance of sustainability within our community and we wanted to weave it into our curriculum in a purposeful way,” she said.  

“We thought FEAST would be a great way to teach our students about sustainability with hands-on, real-life lessons that are so linked to our syllabus.” 

The program has been a collaborative community building project, with OzHarvest representatives and volunteers also visiting the school regularly to help facilitate lessons. 

Mrs Mangraviti said the program has been a huge hit  with students and staff alike. 

“The kids absolutely love this project – they are thriving,” she said. 

“If …

St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School Dulwich Hill has completed a major upgrade of its main playground space.

New handball courts and basketball markings ensure there will be no shortage of games to play during lunch and recess breaks.

And the school’s junior thespians can look forward to bringing characters to life on the new outdoor stage, which is adorned with pillars bearing the school’s values.

The playground makeover is the result of a three-year collaboration between St Paul teachers, student leaders, Sydney Catholic Schools and Urban Landscape Designs.

Other features include shade sails and updated seating creating areas, for both passive play and quiet reflection, and artificial turf has been laid over the entire playground space.

The landscaped gardens and new play equipment offer further opportunities for imaginative and creative play. 

Playground tick of approval

Frances Stewart, Principal at St Paul of the Cross, said the new playground has received a big tick of approval from students.

“The playground has been a hit with students of all ages” – Frances Stewart

“It has been wonderful seeing their smiling faces as they explore their new environment,” Ms Stewart added.  Enrol now at St Paul of the Cross

St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School Dulwich Hill student Noah Espiritu has been named a finalist in Origin Energy’s 2021 Little Big Idea competition.

The Australia-wide competition called for students to submit an idea for an invention or concept that could help change the world.

Noah’s idea, Sports Hang – an app that helps connect kids who are looking to play sports with others – was named as one of four finalists in the Years 5 & 6 category.

The Year 6 student was awarded $1,000 as a finalist and is now in the running for the $10,000 major prize which will be announced on Friday 19 November.

FANCY A GAME?

Noah said his idea for Sports Hang was prompted by seeing kids at the park who were alone and playing by themselves.

“Sometimes I feel like that too and I find it hard to go up to other kids and talk to them,” he said.

“I have two younger brothers I play with but sometimes I get bored and want to play with kids my age.

“I thought my idea could help kids connect and socialise safely” – Noah Espiritu

As part of his submission, Noah put together a 200 word rationale outlining his vision for Sports Hang and how it could make an impact in the lives of kids all around the globe.

Noah’s entry was one of four finalists in his age group in Australia.

EXPERT ADVICE

As a finalist, Noah was given a one-on-one mentoring session with social impact entrepreneur Simon Doble to help develop his idea ahead of a final pitch video presentation for the judges.

Noah said Simon passed on some invaluable wisdom about concepting and developing an idea.

“Simon said he would have loved my idea during his childhood,” Noah explained.

“He talked me …