Background
In 2017, when her three children had graduated from school, Belinda decided to move to Melbourne. Luckily for me, a job was advertised for Mentone Grammar's Finlay Anderson Junior Library. After seeing the school and meeting some of the staff, I knew the job was for me.
Motivation
I love everything about Mentone Grammar! I work in Junior School, the Foundation to Year 6 Campus, with wonderful, supportive staff and outstanding students.
Role and Responsibilities
Since commencing at the School, Belinda has integrated her love for nature into the school program by establishing the Junior School Growing Greener Initiative. We use library lessons to teach students about sustainability and the environment. From a very young age, students are fascinated by the events of the world and want to be involved in preserving and protecting our natural environment. Many students come from homes where sustainable actions like composting, recycling and using less plastic are already taking place, so we want to celebrate these actions by providing students with great literature and resources.
The library classes follow the 'Australian Calendar of Environmental Events', which covers a wide range of topics such as our oceans, native plants, wildlife, insects and key environmental awareness days. I like to invite students to explore the real world through fantasy and imagination. Then slowly, as our students grasp the messaging behind a story, we integrate non‐fiction books and facts. A favourite book of mine for the students in Foundation follows the story of an unhappy octopus who is stuck in a small tank. This charming picture book has led to greater discussions about leaving animals in the wild and preserving nature.
Belinda also encourages our students to get their hands dirty in Junior School's Magic Garden – this includes weeding, mulching, feeding the soil with homegrown 'worm tea' and harvesting seasonal crops. I work closely with the Year 4 students in the 'Green Team' to discuss ideas on the best ways to make a difference, both on a local level and on a global scale. Recently, the Green Team has been developing the 'Waste Free Wednesday' program, where classes receive points for a lunch box with minimal packaging. It is our aim to reduce the amount of waste in Junior School by educating students to pack their food in reusable containers. The Green Team also hopes to educate all Junior School students on the art of reusing paper before discarding and to use less paper where possible.
I have been lucky enough to be able to set up the Junior School Green initiative with amazing support from staff, students and parents. The students are enthusiastic and passionate about the environment and their parents show great support by implementing lessons at school in to their own household. Additionally, our VCE VM students have been incredibly helpful in the Magic Garden under the guidance of the Maintenance and Garden department – I am so thankful for their support.
Career Reflection
After years of experience, Belinda feels that if she could offer her past self some words of wisdom it would be: "Embrace every opportunity!"
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