In June 2010 Mararoa School was excited to officially become an Enviroschool. One year later in 2011, we achieved our Bronze Enviroschool award. This national programme provides us with a framework for utilizing our unique school environment for effective and exciting learning opportunities. Located in a rural setting, and on the edge of Fiordland National Park, we believe that it's particularly important that our children make connections between the knowledge and skills they gain in subject areas and the environment and community in which they live. At our school, we are committed to incorporating Enviroschool philosophy and practices within our existing curriculum and working towards becoming a role model for sustainable practices.

The Enviroschool Programme empowers our children to participate in school life in a really meaningful way. Every member of our school community is encouraged to contribute and share their ideas. The children collect and evaluate information about issues of interest to them, share their perspectives and are then supported to take action for real change.

Mararoa School deliver veggies for the takahe chicks at BurwoodOur school is supported by a facilitator from Environment Southland, who visits us regularly to meet with staff and pupils. We also work collaboratively with our neighbouring Enviroschools, and are lucky to be able to participate in numerous learning opportunities provided by DoC (such as the Takahe Rearing Programme at Burwood reserve).

Our Bronze school status recognises the good steps we've taken so far to involve everyone in our school within the programme. We're all really proud of our achievements so far, and are now looking forward to planning more projects.