With the tragedy and aftermath of the recent bushfires across the country, 2020 has seen Australia take a closer look at environmental management and sustainability. 

Prendiville Catholic College has entered the new decade with the installation of 289 solar panels on the roof of the College gymnasium.  

The project, led by Parents and Friends committee member Joanne Lewis, was fully funded by the Prendiville parent community, with the P&F providing $120,000 for the instalment. 

P&F president Denny Piovesan said with strategic planning, the project will recover its costs within the next three years. 

“Over and above the sustainability impact, solar will create a significant annual saving allowing funding to be redirected elsewhere and the impact of parents levies will be compounded and on-going into the future,” she said. 

“This is a significant environmental step forward for the school and aligns with the school’s strategic plan and values of sustainability for their local and wider environment.” 

Last year Prendiville students worked with the college maintenance department to introduce new recycling initiatives including a two-tier bin system.  

And animated video was made to show the school community how to use the new system.

Prendiville takes meticulous care in the presentation and preservation of its grounds and gardens and encourages its students to take pride in their environment even beyond the school. 

Prendiville’s Christian Service Learning program includes volunteering at the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre in the Perth hills. 

And at the end of last year the College donated to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal in lieu of purchasing staff Christmas gifts. 

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