Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc. SUSTAINABILITY AWARD APPLICATION FORM Please refer to the QECSN Sustainability Awards Guidelines in order to complete this application. Please focus on ONE project. On completion save as PDF and email this application to: [email protected]Please check guidelines for application closing date. Your Details Centre/Service Name: Bank St C&K Community Kindergarten Address: 15 Banks St Newmarket,4051 Person to Contact: Name: Rachel Edwardson Phone: 33526940 Email: [email protected]Current member of QECSN Inc.
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Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD APPLICATION FORM Please refer to the QECSN Sustainability Awards Guidelines in order to complete this application.
Please focus on ONE project.
On completion save as PDF and email this application to: [email protected] Please check guidelines for application closing date.
Your Details
Centre/Service Name: Bank St C&K Community Kindergarten
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
Certification: In submitting this application, I certify that all photos submitted have approval of the person photographed or their parent/guardian to be used in this application and may be uploaded onto the QECSN Inc. website or Facebook site. I also acknowledge that this application may be shared with others via the QECSN Inc. website. www.qecsn.org.au and Facebook site.
Name Rachel Edwardson Date 13/02/2020
The Project
Project Category: please select one by placing an X in the box
Service Engagement and Improvement through Sustainable Practices and Processes Educator(s) leading change: Rethinking Sustainability X Children leading change for sustainability
Title: A creative title that reflects the focus of the project
‘She’…The Lemon Myrtle Tree
Telling the Story: (300 words max) Prompts to consider:
• Describe the inspiration for the project • Describe the different parties that were involved and how decisions were made. • Tell us about any local relevance to your centre or location. • Tell us about the long term potential for the project.
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.This is a story of profound practice of devotion and connection to a quiet living presence on Kindy Country. The bond between Child and Tree began in the hot months of early 2019.
The butterfly group were introduced to the Lemon Myrtle Tree as they explored the garden and identified names of plants that they knew. Someone noticed that the Lemon Myrtle Tree had a blanket of brown flower clusters. As they were carefully removed, many concepts were discussed the most important being that the tree could listen and we could listen to the tree. When we asked the tree for permission to use her leaves for tea we waited for a response. But how would we know?
Often, she would shake a few leaves in a up and down motion that the children equated with a yes. The children adopted various personal understandings of how she communicated with each of them.
One particular child, Harper connected deeply to the tree. Harper's interest and care for the tree grew as the year went on. By the end of the year Harper had gained the reputation as caretaker of the tree. Children would seek Harper's advice on how to give to the tree before taking from her.
When Harper left Kindy for the neighbouring school, she wondered if the tree would grow with her and we have welcomed her to always return to the tree that has been such an important teacher to her. Harper has shown us that connecting to our own nature connects us to the nature of all living things.
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.Linking the Learning: (500 words max) Prompts to consider:
• Describe the changes and outcomes from the project and how they were experienced from multiple perspectives
• Link to EYLF, QKLG, NQS and or ECEfS research or policy
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
EYLF Principle 4 Respect for diversity -Harper has introduced her peers to interests outside their own experiences.
-The Kindy Community have listened then respectfully passed on important ways of knowing and being that have been generously shared with us by Sharron Lindh (a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman), Derek Sandy (a proud Yugerra man) and Richard Galawan (a proud Badu Island man)
EYLF 5 Learning Outcomes
1. Children have a strong sense of identity
• Harper has grown in confidence to explore and learn and share her knowledge with others and has in turn encouraged adults to connect more deeply to Country.
2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Harper has developed a deep understanding of her reciprocal rights and responsibilities in regards to people and all living things
“Take what you need, not what you greed” Sharron Lindh Pick it UP (off the ground) Don’t pick it OFF (the tree) Kindy children 2019
3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Harper identifies through an artwork that “She” the Lemon Myrtle is her happy place.
4. Children are confident and involved learners
• Harper became active in her own learning by involving others. National Tree Day – an opportunity to reflect on why trees are so important to us. Important visitors like the First Nations People, the CEO of C&K, and Grandparents and Parents are introduced to the tree and offered a cup of Lemon Myrtle Tea.
5. Children are effective communicators
• Harper has found her voice by listening to the Lemon Myrtle Tree
“When we Listen, we truly Hear.” Sharron Lindh
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.Future Potential: (300 words max) Prompts to consider:
• Describe the plans for the future of the project • Describe how the project has empowered stakeholders • Describe the continued differences that the project might make.
“Nature is an abundant resource for educating people. But knowledge is just the starting point for the development of the intellect, emotions, attitudes and convictions… One of a teacher’s main educational objectives is to ensure that children understand and feel with their hearts...” (Sukhomlinskii, V.A, 2016, p173)
The team has reflected on Harpers teaching and are keen to develop connections to other plants on Kindy Country.
We have already learnt about the Blue Tongue Bush from Derek Sandy and have noticed a Great Carpenter Bee and other bees and wasps enjoying the flowers.
We have started to name the trees using the calico/mud/PVA signage and will share with families and visitors so they can begin naming the trees that they know and sharing their knowledge.
We will invite Harper, her family and her Prep class to symbolically take the Lemon Myrtle Seedling from under the adult tree back to their school so Harper’s heartfelt knowledge can be passed on to 300 more potential sustainability leaders.
Going forward, like Harper, the children will determine how devoted they will be. We will encourage them all to connect, water, observe and ‘sit with and listen to’ the plants.
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
Photos (insert up to 4 photos) Prompts for photos:
• Choose photos that reflect the spirit and focus of the project • Choose photos that will help to inspire others to change • Choose photos that help the viewer to understand how they might engage in a similar
project.
Photo 1 Caption An Artistic Acknowledgement of Harpers Happy Place explored with Artist Kath Reilly
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
Photo 2 Caption Harper the Custodian of ‘She’ the Lemon Myrtle Tree
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
Photo 3 Caption Letters of Love to the Lemon Myrtle Tree
Photo 4 Caption Exploring Sustainable Labelling of Trees
Queensland Early Childhood Sustainability Network Inc.
