8 September 2016

Our students are growing up in challenging times, with a number of world issues impacting the health and wellbeing of society, including pollution, the loss of biodiversity, and carbon levels in the atmosphere.

It is a part of Catholic tradition to care for the environment. Indeed the recent papal encyclical Laudato Si’: on Care for our Common Home sends a strong message to take action for the environment, reminding us of our responsibility to act with justice for all peoples and creation.

Our Catholic Schools are leading the way in Victoria in sustainability. While Catholic Schools make up about 23% of Victorian schools, almost 45% are participants in some way in sustainability initiatives, such as ResourceSmart Schools.

Our schools are gaining significant recognition for their achievements through a variety of awards and grants, including:

• St Louis de Montfort’s School, Aspendale – National Environmental Education Award 2016
• Ms Julie Wynne – Victorian Environmental Educator of the Year 2016
• St Joseph’s School, Crib Point – NAB award for propagation and rehabilitation of the mangroves of Western Port Bay
• St Mary’s School, Williamstown, for rehabilitation of Jawbone Marine Sanctuary
• many Victorian Schools Gardens Awards for Catholic primary and secondary schools.

And I can tell you that there are many government and environmental organisations looking to Catholic Education Melbourne for our leadership in this space.

The Education for Sustainability in the Archdiocese of Melbourne resource is important as it represents clear directions for our commitment to education for sustainability.

It is a very practical guide for schools, with resources and curriculum advice for teachers to provide the very best opportunities for our students to make a difference in the world, inspired by the gospel to act for justice and the common good.

It is yet another leading initiative from Catholic Education Melbourne and I congratulate all those involved in its development.