News

School Sustainability Leaders Forum 28th Feb 2020

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:19:31 AEDT

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:22:38 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Sustainability Leaders Forum 6th June

Tue, 14 May 2019 14:05:35 AEST

Sustainability Forum

Microplastics Professional Learning

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 12:21:07 AEDT

This course contrinutes to 6 hours of registered training

About the Course

It’s hard to solve a problem you can’t see.

Until recently microplastic pollution presented scientists with a crisis that was invisible to the naked eye.

We need to know how much is already out there, before we figure out what to do with it. And we need large numbers of Australians to engage with behaviour change so we can stop any more plastic disintegrating into our waterways.

That’s why AUSMAP is a collaborative citizen science project. Together we can all do something to clean up our rivers and oceans.

Learn about AUSMAP and participate in a training session on the standardised field sampling methodology for collecting, sorting, and identifying microplastics

Location: Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal Drive, Terrigal

Date: 28th March

Cost Free:

MyPL Course Code: RG04006

Register on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ausmap-training-day-central-coast-tickets-57387716204

Click here to download a flyer

2019 school budget allocations

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 11:49:12 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Professional Learning for New K-6 Science Syllabus

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:44 AEST

Teaching Science and Technology K-6 with Confidence One day Teacher Professional Learning Program

Rumbalara EEC, Gosford

This 5 hour NESA registered course will help to unpack the new Science and Technology K-6 syllabus and show how teachers can complement their own Science and Technology programs by engaging students with scientists and real world environmental challenges.

Download Flyer Science PL (pdf 356 KB)

Course participants will:

Gain a deeper understanding of the new syllabus
Develop skills and confidence to teach science and technology through practical investigations that are creative, engaging and use an inquiry-based model
Share their experiences and knowledge with other teachers
Develop a relationship with Environmental and Zoo Education Centre (EZEC) staff and other K-6 teachers to provide ongoing support and resource sharing, with a focus on Working Scientifically, Living World and Digital Technology content.
The course is run by specialist DoE Science consultants and the Principal and teachers from Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre.

Dates: Wednesday 19th September 2018 and Thursday 8th November 2018

Registration link: https://myplsso.education.nsw.gov.au/q/RG03511

Inquiries: Christine Freeman p:43247200 e: christine.freeman@det.nsw.edu.au

Melissa Gillon p:43575315 e:Melissa.gillon2@det.nsw.edu.au

Completing Teaching Science and Technology K-6 with Confidence will contribute 5 hours of NESA Registered PD addressing 6.2.2, 3.3.2, 2.1.2, 3.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Waste Professional Learning Woodport P.S Wed 22nd August 4pm

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:46 AEST

www.cen.org.au/events

New Date For Sustainability Leaders Forum 30th May, 2018

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:46 AEST

We are pleased to announce we are still able to run our annual Sustainbility Leaders Forum with the new date the 30th May.

Join us in a collaboration workshop with local environmental educators from the community and schools

Find out about:

· Resources available for schools

· Support available from other organisations (opportunity to network with other environmental educator such as Council Environmental Education Officers, Take 3, Waterwatch, OCCI, Cleanaway, CEN, Kariong Eco Garden).

· Local / national environmental education opportunities

· Practices in other schools (case studies provided)

· Rumbalara Programs and Services

PROGRAM

8.45 Welcome
9.00-9.45 INTEGRATING SUSTAINBILITY ACROSS THE CURRICULUM &

Update on Sustainability Education DoE and state wide - Christine Freeman (Rumbalara EEC)

9.45- 10.15 - Keynote Speaker - Marina Antoniozzi - Eco Schools National Recognition Project
10.15-11.00 Update Sustainability Education partners and projects Central Coast
11.-11.30 Morning tea and partners Expo
11.30-1.00 - School case Studies - Guest schools - Pottsville P.S Binless School Program

1.00 - Lunch

1.45 - 3.00 Workshops - Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives & Sustainability Education through Literacy and Numeracy

Download a flyer to advertise at school Forum 30th May (docx 2836 KB)

Cost: $30 Lunch and morning tea provided

Please register through MyPL

Course Name: School Environmental Sustainability Leaders Forum

Course Code NR13537

Register by Fri, 25th May, 2018

Stage 6 Science Professional Learning - Depth Studies and Field Work

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:45 AEST

Thursday, 30th November, 2017

For teachers of:

Stage 6 Science— Earth & Environmental Science, Biology & Investigating Science

Stage 4 Marine Studies

MY PL NR17205 Cost $30

Presented by Rumbalara EEC, Take 3 and The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Depth Study PD Flyer (pdf 563 KB)

8.30-9	Rego / coffee. View displays at marine centre
9.00-9.15.	Curriculum links for Science Stage 6 & Marine Studies - emphasis on depth studies -Christine Freeman (Rumbalara EEC)
9.15-10.15	Outline of projects: Micro plastic project (Scott Wilson Macquarie Uni). Rockplatform study (Jason Moreton –Avondale College / David Powter- University of Newcastle) Waterwatch – Jane Smith
10:15-10:30	Morning Tea (provided)
10:30-11:45	Terrigal lagoon micro plastics field work (includes some water quality tests)
11.45 -12.00	Travel to the Haven (provide own transport – car pooling available)
12:00-12:45	Rock platform investigation using inquiry model
12.45-1:30.	Lunch & travel back to CCMDC (Fish & Chips at the Haven if weather is fine –not included in cost of PD)
1.30 - 3.00.	Program planning for Depth Studies-assessment rubric

Environmental Art Day 21st August (Stage 3)

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:42 AEST

Rumbalara EEC are proud to support another environmental arts day thanks to funding from the Arts Council

Date: 21st August, 2017

Where: Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, 149 Donnison St, Gosford.

Who: GATS / Creative Arts Stage 3 students from the Central Coast. Thirty places available (limit two per school).

Workshop 1: Explore the biodiversity of Rumbalara Reserve through nature photography. Learn about camera angles and receive a framed photo of your choice.

Workshop 2: Explore the intriguing world of plants through observation, drawing and watercolour skills using Rumbalara's amazing collection of herbarium specimens, microscopes and fresh plant material. Students can experience a day in the life of a botanist and botanical artist with one of Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens former botanical illustrators.

Cost: $10 (own transport required) How: Contact Rumbalara EEC to register your interest, 43247200 christine.freeman@det.nsw.edu.au

Art Day Flyer (pdf 508 KB)

Geography Professional Learning

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:43 AEST

Rumbalara EEC is working with the Central Coast CAG to deliver a geography professional learning afternoon at Rumbalara EEC on 24th March 2017.

This course has been designed for school leaders to increase their knowledge, skills and understandings of the new Geography syllabus. Participants will engage and learn through an inquiry based approach with interactive sessions and geographical case studies as a focus.

Download Flyer 2017 (pdf 138 KB)

Environmental Sustainability Education Leaders Forum 20th March

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:43 AEST

Join us in a collaboration workshop with local environmental educators from the community and schools to develop a plan for engaging schools with the community.

Find out about:

· Resources available for schools

· Support available from other organisations

· Local / national opportunities

· Practices in other schools

· Rumbalara Programs and Services

WHEN: Mon, 20 March, 2017 8:45am - 3:00pm

WHERE: Youth Connections- Green Central,

Gate 1, Kangoo Rd, Kariong

COST: $20 Includes lunch and moring tea

Register on MYPL: Course Code 151HCR002

Download a Program (docx 104 KB)

Download a Flyer 2017 (docx 2836 KB)

Science Professional Learning

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:45 AEST

Rumbalara EEC is working with the Central Coast CAG to deliver a science professional learning afternoon at Rumbalara EEC on 16th February 2017. This will be a showcase of science investigations across stages that you can implement at your school. Please see attached flyer Science PL (docx 117 KB)

Also on show will be science investigations from our Bright Sparks Trailer that is still available to be booked by your school for free in 2016. Please see attached brochure Bright Sparks

Environmental Arts Day Stage 3 - GATS/Creative Arts, 7th November 2016

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:42 AEST

Env Art Day Flyer

Art Day Program

Environmental Arts Day Stage 3

Date: 7th November 2016

Where: Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, 149 Donnison St, Gosford

Who: GATS/Creative Arts

Stage 3 students from the Central Coast. Thirty places available (limit two per school)

What: Students will participate in workshops on nature photography and camera angles and receive a framed photo of their choice. They will also learn painting techniques and create a multimedia artwork based on the environment at the Rumbalara Reserve. The product will be displayed as an exhibition for the community and students to view

Cost: $10 (own transport required)

How: Contact Rumbalara EEC, 43247200 for more info and registration

christine.freeman@det.nsw.edu.au

Future Council Class Movie Ready for Viewing

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:43 AEST

Future Council students occupy Council Chambers to really experience the cut and thrust of democratic decision making as they participate in a mock council meeting with students from other schools. This is a great opportunity for secondary students from both Wyong and Gosford Councils. Please contact Rumbalara if your school would like to be involved for 2016.

Click on the photo below and preview the class movie to see how the program runs.

See a video that shows the student's participating in future council.

Free Waste Lessons At Your School With Rumbalara EEC

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:43 AEST

Rumbalara EEC invites your school to participate in a Wise About Waste School Incursion aimed at Stage 2 students. The program developed by Kariong Eco Garden and Central Coast Council can now be brought to your school by educators from Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre for free.

The Wise about Waste Incursion has a suggested structure of a whole-Stage-2 20 minute introduction followed by up to five 45 minute sessions throughout the day. Classes rotate through up to five different lessons, presented by visiting educators and your school's teachers. The lesson notes for each topic are supplied upon booking confirmation and the Wise about Waste Educator/s bring the resources for six different lessons/topics:

1.     History of Waste
2.     So much stuff – looking at materials
3.     Beyond the Bin - The 7 R's/ Zero Waste
4.     Shopper Power – responsible consumption
5.     Land Litter and Marine Pollution
6.     Nature's Recyclers

Discussion with Rumbalara Educators before the day will help schools adapt the program to meet the needs and learning goals of their individual school. A pre-requisite to have the incursion is the completion of a Waste Audit within the last 12 months. Please phone Rumbalara if you need assistance with this.

Wise About Waste 2016

Rumbalara Environmental Sustainability Forum

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:44 AEST

Friday the 11th March 2016

The schools sustainability leaders are those wonderful teachers that take responsibility for coordinating and encouraging environmental education and best practice environmental management within the school. Whether you are an old hand or just getting started our annual meeting of environmental education coordinators is designed to support you. It provides the latest information on local initiatives, resources and support so that you can more effectively coordinate, encourage and implement Environmental Education at your school. Share achievements, network with like minded people, meet Rumbalara, agency and community EE providers and get practical ideas on teaching outside the classroom. The course is free and lunch will be provided.

Download a program. forum 2106 (pdf 236 KB)

Investigate: Fire Ants Competition

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:44 AEST

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Schools Program has launched Investigate: Fire Ants, their 2016 Science and Technology competition for NSW Stage 3 students.

The competition will run in Term 1 2016 and registrations are now open.

For more information please see the competition website http://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/home/investigate or contact schools.program@dpi.nsw.gov.au

A promotional flyer is attached Investigation: Fire Ants

Recycle Bin Labels

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:44 AEST

Is Your School Recycling?

We have stick-on recycle bin labels available for those schools wanting to promote waste recycling in their schools.

Contact the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre for your labels.

National Recycling Week 9-15 November

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:44 AEST

Time to de-clutter and recycle

MobileMuster in conjunction with Planet Ark are supporting National Recycling Week from the 9th - 15th November, 2015. Visit their websites for more info and school resource material.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:44 AEST

A Professional Learning Course on Teaching Outside the Classroom to be held at Umina Campus on 10th December. The outdoor classroom is a stimulating and meaningful learning environment suited to the hands-on, discovery learning that many students prefer. It provides for holistic learning and is especially useful for delivering outcomes in K-10 Geography and Science and Tech. This course is an opportunity to trial a variety of engaging activities and get expert advice on improving your outdoor classroom. Suitable for primary and secondary teachers and community members interested in the development and use of school grounds for learning. Only $10 including lunch Enrol on MyPL Event Code 118527

Waste Contracts for Schools

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:46 AEST

Rumbalara EEC recently inquired with SITA about pricing for recycling / waste removal. SITA is just one of the preferred suppliers to the NSW Education Department in accordance with integrated Waste Management contract 9698.

View SITA correspondence (pdf 375 KB)

SITA provided an example of possible cost savings with the co-mingle recycling:

If a school is getting a 3cbm general waste bin serviced twice a week - total cost $140 per week. If they have 2 x 1100 L co-mingle bins for recycling, serviced weekly at $14 each, same items the kids would recycle at home. Potentially the school would be able to drop a general waste service - saving $42 per week or $2000 per annum. This is a basic example, but schools will soon see the benefits of setting up co-mingled recycling if they put in a bit of effort in removing it from the general waste stream.

For more information about services from SITA - contact Stuart Luff, Gosford Office - ph 0408 267 752 or email: stuart.luff@sita.com.au

For more information about Waste removal and contracts with schools (including preferred suppliers) - visit: https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/procurement/products/waste/index.htm

For information about the State contract 9698 - https://www.procurepoint.nsw.gov.au/contracts/c9698

Climatewatch Cuckoo Count

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:42 AEST

Wanted: Students to Count Cuckoos for Science.

Channel-billed cuckoos are the biggest (and noisiest) parasitic cuckoos in the world and migrate south at this time every year to lay eggs in the nests of unsuspecting Magpies, Currawongs and Crows.

Waking to their repetitive, loud and raucous calls might send you cuckoo unless you could put it to a good use like helping scientists track the migration!

Scientists are predicting that a warming climate might result in changes to the known range or to the timing of migration. Evidence for such a change requires lots and lots of observations.

That's why DEC Environmental and Zoo Education Centres are encouraging all students to become citizen scientists by contributing sightings of Channel-billed cuckoos to the Climatewatch project.

Observations are mapped in real time so students can see the migration as it happens and appreciate their contribution to science.

To find out how to put your school on the map go to: Climatewatch Cuckoo Count

Get Your Daily Eco-News Here

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:37:44 AEST

Eco-News