School in Harmony with the Rural Environment
Gisborne Montessori School’s new school campus was opened on February 1st 2005 and is located on 10 acres in New Gisborne (50 kms north of Melbourne) in Australia.
The school design is based around harmony with the rural environment and has been constructed along passive solar / low energy consumption / low maintenance guidelines. The school was constructed in 5 months using mainly volunteer parent labour with a number of supporting professionals. Classrooms are oriented to the north to maximise winter sun and natural lighting. Energy efficient building materials were used to provide thermal mass
http://www.timbercrete.com.au. Double glazing and comfort-plus glass were combined to provide effective window insulation. Effective cross ventilation was achieved through classroom design; ceiling fans ensure that the classrooms remain cool in summer without the need for air conditioning. Winter heating is provided by under floor slab heading. Hot water is provided by a solar hot water system on the roof.
The school is conscious of limited water resources (the local community was on Stage 4 water restrictions when the school was built). Rather than adding to the community’s water burden, the school is water self-reliant, using a large water tank for storm water and an onsite water treatment system
http://www.wormfarm.com.au to recycle waste water and irrigate native wind breaks. Biodiversity is being encouraged through the planting of thousands of indigenous trees and shrubs. Planting started on the site even before construction of the school commenced.
The school is committed to the creation of an active learning environment which will include the construction of a wetland area with a boardwalk and hide, a permaculture garden and orchard and other treasures. The Gisborne Montessori School was announced again as Finalist in the Australia wide Sustainable School Champion Award run by the Faculty of the Built Environment, University of NSW in 2003 and 2004. As this award is targeted at high schools; there are only a few primary schools that compete and it is therefore a credit to the school community that it has been nominated as a finalist for two years running in this prestigious Award.
Gisborne Montessori School has been featured in the The Owner Builder Magazine # 127 February/March 2005.
By
Toorak Primary School
|
May 2, 2013
Waste Reduction Program at TPS TAKE IN & TAKE HOME LUNCH WASTE PROGRAM As part of our effort to reduce our waste and encourage our school community to think about […]
By
Upper Yarra Secondary College
|
July 22, 2014
As part of the Green Machine option on Wednesday afternoons students at Upper Yarra have planted about 400 native tubestock at the front entrance to the school and along Riversdale […]
By
Mother Teresa Primary School
|
February 19, 2017
During the summer holidays Mother Teresa P.S had a new solar system installed. This system when running at full capacity will save us 75% of our energy costs. It is […]
By
Tulliallan Primary School
|
April 28, 2019
At Tulliallan Primary School, we are committed to minimising our waste. One of the strategies that we use to divert resources from landfill is the careful segregation of our waste. […]
By
Frankston Primary School
|
December 15, 2016
Congratulations to our HPV team who did extremely well at the RACV Energy Breakthrough at Maryborough. Our team performed brilliantly and placed 4th overall.