12 Oct 2016 Myrtleford Times, Myrtleford VIC (General News) BOGONG Outdoor Education School is a finalist in the Community Leadership Primary School of the Year category of the ResourceSmart Schools Awards. Over the past few years the school, sitting halfway between Mt Beauty and Falls Creek, has created a learning plan focused on sustainable living actions that underpin all of the schools programs. The actions introduce students to the concept of sustainability and how they can help reduce Bogongs environmental footprint. Campus principal Roger Blackwell said it was about educating kids on how things could be done better. The school leads discussions on ecosystems and the impacts of climate change, building student connection to the outdoors and help the kids develop an understanding of sustainable living, he said. Its not rocket science but an education on how that can be applied to everyday life. We also have the benefit of the Alpine National Park to draw on for inspiration. What we want is for the students to return home and share those lessons with their community. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) also congratulated the school. I congratulate Bogong Outdoor Education School for making the finals of the ResourceSmart Schools Award as this is a marvellous achievement, she said. To be recognised is amazing and Im sure the community is very proud of the schools achievement. The success of ResourceSmart Schools comes down to its practical and hands-on approach to learning for students. So many Victorian schools have joined the program because they see the value in teaching students the importance of living sustainably, and providing opportunities for students to be real change-makers. A record number of entries were received this year, with over 205 entries from more than 100 schools across the state. Ms Symes said around 50 per cent of Victorian schools have participated in ResourceSmart Schools, delivering substantial environmental savings to their schools. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence