Frankston High School has implemented a five year strategic sustainability plan outlining initiatives to increase the biodiversity; both flora and fauna within the school. Since beginning this journey we have implemented new school policy outlining our commitment to reducing our impact on the planet. This includes plans to ensure the school is committed to purchasing indigenous plants and removing where possible existing exotic species.
We aim to encourage the return of native wildlife by reintroducing plants that encourage both a place for shelter and a food source. Biodiversity issues are embedded in the curriculum. For example students in year seven explore extinction and factors that reduce animal habitat.
During year 9 and 10 students explore deforestation and the implications associated with such destruction. Over the next five years Frankston plans to continue to make changes to the school’s existing set up by continuing to plant indigenous flora, the construction of bird boxes and the construction of a frog habitat. Frankston HS already has a diverse range of indigenous plants throughout the school.
Within the past 12 months however, Frankston has made a commitment to plant only indigenous plants within the school. In making this commitment Frankston has set up strong links with the local Indigenous nursery. Within the past 9 months we have planted considerable numbers of plants and destroyed large numbers of exotic species. To make the students more accountable to their surrounds some year seven tutorial classes have taken responsibility for a particular garden area. In addition, the VCAL students have made this one of their goals and have also been involved with planting and caring for garden beds on the senior campus.
Finally, the student lead Environment Committee has been vital in sourcing plants for National Tree Day over the past two years. The availability of water has been a limiting factor in establishing newly planted flora. To overcome this issue during the dryer months Frankston HS has sourced over 100 drip spikes to be used in place of regular watering. In addition, a second water tank has been installed to water plants instead of using mains water.To overcome the destructive nature of some students and members of the community the maintenance staff have constructed protective boxes that are placed around establishing plants
