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Sustainability at Kristin
Kristin is a school deeply committed to sustainability, actively implementing practices that promote environmental stewardship. A cornerstone of this commitment is its participation in the nationwide Enviroschools program, which embodies its dedication to fostering a sustainable future.
In 2022, Kristin achieved GreenGold status, reflecting our school-wide, embedded philosophy of the five main pillars:
- Empowered Students
- Learning for Sustainability
- Māori Perspectives (Te Ao Māori)
- Respect for Diversity of People and Culture
- Sustainable Communities
Being a GreenGold Enviroschool means we are still on a journey and continue to develop new sustainable practices through student-led initiatives, such as our Council of Sustainability and meaningful community engagement. We have just begun working with Toitū Envirocare to monitor and reduce our carbon footprint. Together, we are not just learning about sustainability; we are actively shaping it!
Sustainability at Kristin School means taking care of ourselves, our communities and our environment, now and for our future generations
Enhanced Learning
In Middle and Senior School Enhanced Learning, our goal is to work with students who find areas of learning a challenge and teach them strategies to overcome these barriers.
This is done in class so the strategies are applied in real-life contexts. We can also screen students to learn more about how they think and where their areas of challenge are. This can lead to Special Assessment Conditions in Senior School for formal assessments and exams without the need for an Educational Psychologist report.
Our support follows students from Year 7 through to Year 13. In Year 7 and 8, we work with the homeroom teachers to support students and identify students who may need more individualised support. In Year 9 onwards, our aim is to have an EL teacher assigned to these students, who will oversee their specialist support, right through until Year 13. All students with learning challenges are different and require different levels of support. We believe in an individualised, holistic approach to helping students in their learning.
Recycling
Kristin is working hard to reduce our waste and support circular economy initiatives. Compostable packaging, recycling, student waste teams and annual audits all help reduce what we send to landfill. Our Kristin Family and Friends (KFF) team send old, unwanted school uniforms to a textile recycling company to be made into insulation boards. E-waste, batteries and soft plastic collection areas support Abilities, a social enterprise in our local area. We have wormfarms and industrial composting bins on site, diverting more than six tonnes of food waste each year.
Environmental Reflection
Our school campus is home to nearly four hectares of native bush in the Lucas Creek catchment. Students, staff and parents volunteer their time for weed eradication, pest control, riparian planting and track maintenance, to protect the unique biodiversity within this outdoor natural space.
We are a Trees for Survival School, raising 1,000 seedlings in our nursery, and we work closely with Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale Park, an award winning local conservation initiative in our local catchment. Annually, we plant over 3,000 trees and students complete thousands of service hours supporting conservation.
Renewable Energy
We continue to increase our solar capacity, with over 400 panels providing nearly a quarter of our energy needs - 1.3 million kilowatts last year! We have a dedicated student team of energy monitors, working hard in all our classrooms, to help reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Signage, timers, motion sensors and LED bulbs are all part of our efforts.
