Drysdale Primary School is celebrating this week after their win in the Rubbish Free Lunch Challenge at the ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
The school was named as the leading Primary School in Victoria in the award ceremony held at the MCG last week.
The kids were excited to meet Chris Humfrey, star of the ABC program Wild Adventures, who hosted the event and also brought along many of his animals to the presentations.
“We were giving away Bokashi juice and potatoes that we grew in our vegie garden,” said Grade 3 student Josh Rock who was part of the team that prepared the school’s entry.
The win is also a win for the Drysdale community as much of this success is a result of the support of locals.
Local greengrocers Bella Fruitz have been proud supporters of both Nude Food Day and Fresh Fruit Friday.
“The gift vouchers are a good prize for bringing nude food and this helps us to reduce our rubbish,” said Louie Filbay, one of the two Grade 6 Nude Food Dudes who run the awards each week.
But the community involvement does not end there.
“Many local kindergartens have put a lot of effort into promoting eating healthy and reducing the rubbish in their lunches,” said Prep teacher Tara Van Winckel who helps coordinate the Nude Food program. “That means families are arriving at school with good habits and we get to build on the great work that has already been done.”
The school has also just received a Community Grant from the Northern Bellarine branches of the Bendigo Bank to put towards their new vegetable garden. “This grant will greatly improve our vegetable garden which is already proving very popular with the students,” said Emma Lamb, another coordinator of the many sustainability initiatives within the school.
“While winning the award is fantastic recognition for the school,” said Principal Steve Barry, “it is a direct result of the commitment of the school community to reduce the amount of rubbish. Without the support of parents, staff and the wider community, we would not have achieved this terrific award.”
