​​​​As Keep Australia Beautiful Week (4-10 August) sweeps across the nation, Christ the King School is proudly stepping up to the challenge, proving that environmental stewardship starts with education, action and heart.

​With a vibrant community of students, staff and volunteers, the school is making a meaningful impact – one compost bin, recycled battery, and garden bed at a time.

A culture of care and commitment

​​At Christ the King School, sustainability isn't just a buzzword – it's a way of life. The school has cultivated a culture where environmental responsibility is embedded in daily routines and celebrated through hands-on learning. Keep Australia Beautiful Week has provided a powerful platform to showcase the school's ongoing efforts to inspire even greater participation.

From the youngest learners to our senior students, everyone has the opportunity to be involved in keeping the school grounds – and Australia – beautiful. The week enhances the activities undertaken at the school that highlight the importance of reducing waste, reusing resources, and respecting the natural world.

Student sustainability ambassadors: Leading by example

​One of the school's most exciting initiatives is its Sustainability Ambassador Program, empowering students from Year 3 to Year 6 to take on leadership roles in environmental action. These ambassadors are at the heart of the school's green movement. They coordinate projects and educate their peers on sustainable practices.

During Keep Australia Beautiful Week, our ambassadors have been active leading clean-up efforts, promoting recycling opportunities, and encouraging their classmates to think critically about waste and consumption. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their leadership is helping to shape a generation of eco-conscious citizens.

​​Hands-on opportunities for a greener future

​Christ the King School offers a wide range of sustainability opportunities that allow students to engage directly with environmental practices. These initiatives are not only educational, but also deeply empowering, giving students the tools to make a tangible difference.

Sustainability ambassadors from Years 3-6 are engaged in activities including gardening, composting, worm farm management, recycling and more at Christ the King School, Graceville. Photography: C Simmons. © Brisbane Catholic Education | Christ the King School, Graceville (2025) ​​

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Here's a look at some of our key programs:

Composting and work farming

Food scraps from lunchboxes don't go to waste at Christ the King School – they go into the school's compost bin or worm farm. Students learn how organic waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil, which is then used to nourish the school gardens. The worm farm, lovingly maintained by the school's sustainability ambassadors, is a favourite among students, who enjoy watching the wriggly workers do their part for the planet.

​Containers for Change

The school actively participates in the Containers for Change program, collecting eligible cans and bottles to be recycled. Not only does this reduce landfill waste, but it also generates funds that are reinvested into sustainability projects. Students take pride in sorting and counting the containers, knowing that each one contributes to a cleaner environment and a stronger school community.

Gardening

​The school gardens are a living testament to what can be achieved when care meets collaboration. Under supervision, students plant, water and harvest. Gardening teaches patience, responsibility and the importance of biodiversity. During Keep Australia Beautiful Week, the gardens have been buzzing with activity, as students prepare new beds and learn about pollinators and soil health.

Recycling

​Christ the King School has established a comprehensive recycling program accepting cardboard, paper, use pens and pencils, batteries and e-waste. Students are taught how to sort materials correctly and understand the lifecycle of everyday items. The station is managed by the sustainability ambassadors, who monitor usage and educate their peers on the importance of proper disposal.

​Staff support and community engagement

​The success of these initiatives wouldn't be possible without the passionate support of teachers, staff and parent volunteers. Teachers integrate sustainability into the curriculum, using science, geography, and event art lessons to explore environmental themes. Groundskeepers and admin staff also play a crucial role, ensuring that systems run smoothly and the students are supported in their efforts.

Parents and the wider community are invited to participate as well, with regular sustainability features in the school newsletters, and donation drives for recyclable goods. This holistic approach ensures environmental responsibility extends beyond the classroom and into the homes and hearts of every family.

Voices of change

During Keep Australia Beautiful Week, students have shared reflections on what sustainability means to them:

"I love being a sustainability ambassador because I get to help the planet and teach my friends how to recycle," says Isabel, Year 5.

'The worm farm is great. We feed the worms scraps and they help our gardens grow," says Ruby, Year 5.

​These voices reflect the genuine passion and understanding that Christ the King School students are developing – skills and values that will serve them for life.