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The
group attributes the formation of the team
to their 2001 and 2002-2003 Coastcare grants
as the TEAM approach (Together Everyone
Achieves More) was perceived as a creative
way to deliver programs. This approach has
also ensured programs are sustainable.
The
focus has been to learn and share information
about habitats from Farm to Foreshore, From
Catchment to Coast and the life that inhabits
these environments.
The
Team has paid particular attention to the
land beneath the sea as members are concerned
that for too long people have used the Sea
as
- "A
Playground"
- "A
Rubbish Dump"
- "A
Supermarket" and lately as
- "The
Medicine Chest of the Future"
without
looking at the sustainable use of this resource.
The
Marine Team works alongside other community
groups to raise awareness, enhance understandings
and knowledge and to take action for the
Environment. Throughout the year members
have worked with local Tidy Towns Group
and Progress Association, local landowners,
Coastcare and District Council of Yorke
Peninsula.
Team
Members have been active in promoting our
programs and environmental action by acting
as speakers at conferences and as guides
for groups visiting our Marine Studies Centre.
Through the running of conferences and workshops
we explored themes such as
- "Focus
on Fish"
- "Mighty
Molluscs"
- "Look,
Sea, Learn"
- "Creatures
From Inner Space"
- "Coastal
Birds'
- "Amazing
Arthropods"
- "Star
Wars 5"
- "Nature's
Medicine Chest"
- "From
Shore to Sea"
- "Beyond
the Beach"
In
recent years students have been Australia's
representatives at an International conference
in Japan (Junior Eco-Club 2001), guest speakers
at a National conference for MESA (Marine
Educators of Australasia), the Whale Watch
Centre (Victor Harbor) and Kids Congress.
The
Marine Team has assisted local schools by
acting as guest speakers and sharing resources.
In
order to improve understandings of the biodiversity
of marine life students regularly participate
in Reefwatch activities. Those over 10 years
of age monitor the local reef and forward
their results, via "snail mail"
or the Internet, to the Conservation Council
of SA. In this way they have built up a
picture of life in this special habitat
over the past 4 years. Recently the Team
began monitoring colonisation of the seabed
in the newly developed Marina. Students
are interested in observing what marine
life appears. They anticipate stormwater
runoff and nutrient rich water may affect
colonisation and plan to also monitor growth
on boat hulls, pylons etc. through proposed
6 monthly surveys.
The
Team makes the most of the natural and built
Learning Environments that surround the
town. The school grounds are learnscaped
not landscaped eg the Sand dune Learnscape
is used to learn about coastal plants and
as a source to revegetate the Back Beach.
The
Team has developed cross curricula materials,
community activities and resources, which
recognize and use their unique environmental
attributes.
- The
"Beach in A Box" is a resource
available to schools that don't have the
access to the beach. The contents vary
according to the age and needs of the
borrower. It contains materials students
and staff have collected, collated and
reviewed.
- One
of the most requested resources the group
has produced is an information CD, "Jewels
of Gulf St Vincent". This is available
to schools to borrow as part of "Jewels
of the Sea" kits, resource kits through
the SA museum or may be purchased from
the school direct.
The
Marine Team has generated a great deal
of interest in Marine Studies not only
in their own backyard.
- Last
year saw the formation of a Marine Studies
Network for educators; it currently has
a membership over 50. Newsletters are
emailed each term to share news and training
opportunities.
- Their
Principal has been appointed to the National
Environmental Council. The Council functions
to inform the Hon Dr David Kemp, Minister
for Environment and Heritage. The focus
is to examine Commonwealth Government
Environmental Education programs now and
into the future. This appointment is a
reflection on the high standard of programs
at the school and the strong community
partnerships The Team is involved in.
Future
challenges will include exploring ways to
ensure programs and actions reflect and
further promote Environmental sustainability.
The
Marine Team, through its achievements, has
ensured Port Vincent Primary School and
Aquatic Centre is an exciting centre of
Coastal Care for students and the community,
and a leading example of environmental stewardship
and sustainability.
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