I am a local resident of Whitehorse living with my family in the Cootamundra Ward. I have been the Principal of Kerrimuir Primary School since 2018 and have worked there since 2008. Our school aims to create real world thinkers and problem solvers who are supported to achieve their best both academically and socially.  

Prior to being a school teacher I worked in a range of industries including manufacturing and repairing of electronic equipment. I became interested in sustainability when Kerrimuir installed water tanks and solar panels in 2009.

Sustainability is a great way to engage students in learning. The students’ enthusiasm displayed when delving into the work of sustainability is great to see. Whether it’s inspiring the next generation of beekeepers or creating curiosity in students about the environment this all a great part of being a teacher. I often say to the students that I believe my role as an educator is to inspire them to find solutions to problems that my generation has created. For example, plastic bottles were a great invention 50 plus years ago but now we need a different option.

We received a Landcare Grant for our Grade 1 students to learn about Mini Beasts, specifically bees. Following our success in the grant process our sustainability team decided to attend a bee keeping course so we could learn about how to have a beehive at school. At first, we had a few concerns on how we were going to manage the whole process and keep the students safe. With the help from Bron at Bobs Bees we investigated site locations at the school and different hive types. We also talked to other schools that already had bees to fully understand the management of the bees on a school site.

As a former tradesperson I really enjoy working with wood and have completed many projects around the school and at home. Prior to starting the construction process we investigated the best hive option for our school and settled on a Long Langstroth design with a chimney. My first step was to establish the dimensions of the hive to be able to accommodate the frames that the bees live on. I adapted some designs from the internet as I couldn’t find a long hive with a chimney easily available which met our needs. There was lots of trial and error and design changes along the way but this was all part of the fun. I really wanted a way to make the hive accessible to the students and incorporated some viewing windows so the students could see the bees in action without disturbing them. I am fortunate that my son is a plumber and he helped with the roof construction. Following further advice on the needs of the bees I have made some changes to the hive including the addition of insulation to keep them warm over the winter.  

In April this year our school bees were moved from the school site due to major building project we have onsite. Currently they are in Mitcham and all is going well. I continue to regularly visit them and monitor their progress and am hopeful that the school will have some honey very soon.

I support and encourage our staff to create ‘Hair Brained Ideas’ - engaging learning opportunities to prepare students for the future.  Many years ago, a group of parents planted some olive trees to create a screen to protect the students from the sun. Little did they know that this year we harvested our olives and tuned them into Kerrimuir Olive Oil.  

We also have vegetable gardens, local indigenous plantings, a biodiversity trail with QR codes explaining the plants and a plastic recycling machine which turns bottle caps into pens.  

Last year we upgraded our school solar system to 40kW which has created both a significant cost saving to the school and another learning opportunity for our students. 

Bee Keeping tips from a beginner:

1. I believe the most important first step of bee keeping is to do a course. I have been on two now. Through the course participation we have connected with many experienced beekeepers who are always keen to offer advice.
2. Join a local beekeepers club. Our school is a member of The Beekeepers Club that meets at New Hope Church. Through this group we have a mentor called Walt, who helps us make technical decisions on managing our bees
3. Bees are not just for Christmas. They are a form of agriculture and must be managed. Responsible hobby beekeeping helps protect the whole industry.
4. Do your research. Before we had our first bee delivery we planned where the hive was going to go. We investigated different hives and made the best decision for our situation.