Last semester each year 7 student engaged in the Community Inquiry Project covering the themes of Sustainability, Social Justice and Wellbeing.
This semester they are continuing to build on the great ideas commenced in semester one as well as creating completely new and original projects with a new focus on school improvements.
Initiatives such as the assembly of Care Packs for the Homeless were sourced via students, staff and parent donations dropped off at Pilgrim library. These care packs consisting of toiletries and personal care items were then delivered by the class via a visit to the ‘Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne’ not-for-profit organisation which was founded by an ex-FHS teacher.
Other projects included a Pet Photo Competition with a focus on communicating responsible pet ownership and a ‘Greening the Balcony’ initiative to provide more green space for students at the Pilgrim Campus, sports equipment, a mural, room dividers and a water bubbler. This semester some students are investigating the great subjects offered at the senior campus so that junior students can start thinking about their future choices.
Each project requires students to undertake research of the topic and develop their communication skills by contacting business organisations, community groups and school leadership to gain relevant permission and, importantly, the necessary funding to improve the chance of effectively implementing their ideas.
Photo: Mae, Deng and Mia are researching the horticulture course at ‘Kinnear Farm’.
Their information pamphlets will be distributed with small sample pots of honey produced by senior students at the farm beehives.