Eastside Lutheran College students take the lead on Waste & Wildlife
Landcare Tasmania’s Waste and Wildlife program recently visited two classes at Eastside Lutheran College in Warrane, where the stand-out feature was the students themselves. An energetic Grade 3/4 class and a reflective Grade 5 class, both curious, engaged, and keen to make a difference.
Grade 5 Students at Eastside Lutheran College participating in the Waste and Wildlife workshop.
Curious minds in action
Both classes jumped straight into the activities, asking big questions about waste, wildlife, and the environment around them. Many students shared observations from their own lives — from what they see on their walk to school, to how their families manage waste at home.
“We need to stop wasting things and be super kind to the world.” Josie, Grade 3/4 ELC
“My pledge to help wildlife is to use less plastic and recycle the things that I can.” Lucy, Grade 5 ELC
Their enthusiasm to connect personal experience with environmental care set the tone for the whole visit.
A spotlight on our Tasmanian microbats
The students showed particular interest in learning about our microbats. There are 8 species of microbat in Tasmania. The students were quick to make connections between human behaviour and the wellbeing of some of our smallest and most fascinating nocturnal residents. They offered thoughtful reflections about how even small changes can help species like our microbats thrive.
“Something that I learnt about waste and wildlife today is that Microbats can get stuck in the fake spiderwebs from Halloween.” Gabriel, Grade 5 ELC
“We need to remove the things that cause harm to wildlife.” Bivon, Grade 5 ELC
Students generating solutions
Rather than being told what to do, students took the lead in generating ideas for caring for the environment and supporting local wildlife. Both classes came up with a range of creative, practical solutions they could enact at school, at home, or alongside their community.
The students' sense of responsibility and optimism highlighted just how engaged this generation is with environmental issues.
Thank you!
Thank you to the teachers and students of Eastside Lutheran College for your warm welcome, thoughtful discussions, and inspiring ideas.
Landcare Tasmania's Waste and Wildlife Program is supported by the Tasmanian Government and the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board.
The program includes a teacher package with pre and post lessons linked to the V9 Australian Curriculum. Educators interested in bringing the program to their school can contact [email protected]
