Student Reflections

Looking back on Term 2

Throughout this year the SEALs have focused on waste and disposing of rubbish correctly. During Term 2 we celebrated Laudato Si week, which is in honour of Pope Francis’s encyclical. Laudato Si focuses on the care of our common home and all people, offering us an opportunity to reflect on our impact on the environment. To further encourage this reflection, we held a few activities throughout the week that were fun and thoughtful. 

We started off the week with the great litter race, which involved a few pieces of litter and some running. Students were tasked with moving litter to the correct bins, while running back and forth to collect the litter against another team. This allowed them to test their knowledge of where different types of litter go and earn them a prize!

Further along in the week we sat down to watch Finding Nemo and do some crafts! Taking old t-shirts, students transformed them into new tote bags, turning something old into something new. We also gathered empty plastic bottles and created plastic jellyfish to keep as decorations and act as a reminder to look after the ocean. Both of these activities incorporated the concept of ‘Reuse’ which is a part of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’. 

These activities all encompassed the message of Laudato Si and encouraged students to reflect on their contributions to our environment.

Amelie Corbett

Year 12

What’s Ahead in Term 3

Fast fashion has a significant environmental and social impact, contributing to overconsumption, textile waste and poor labour conditions in developing countries.  It encourages throwaway culture where clothing is cheaply made, quickly purchased, and discarded after minimal use, leading to millions of tonnes of textile waste ending up in landfills each year.  The industry is also one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions and water pollution, making it a major sustainability concern.

In response to this, Kilbreda College’s Environmental Action Team organises and leads the annual ‘Clothes Swap’ initiative on Brigidine Day. This plays an important role in promoting more ethical and sustainable fashion choices within the school community. By encouraging staff and students to donate and exchange pre-loved clothing instead of buying new items, the event helps to reduce waste, extend the life of garments and promote ethical consumption. It also raises awareness about the environmental impacts of consumer habits and inspires us to make more conscious choices. This demonstrates that small, local actions can contribute to broader global change.

We hope that the Kilbreda College community will get involved by donating good-quality clothes they no longer wear. Every item donated has the potential to find a new home and make a positive impact, both for the planet and for someone else. More information about the upcoming ‘Clothes Swap’ will be shared soon, including how to donate, where to drop off clothes and how to take part in the event!

Alicia Vu

Year 12

Emily Aherne and Sarah Avitabile

Teachers: Sustainability Leaders