August saw the official launch of the new St Andrew’s Cathedral School Recycling Hub.
Australians currently recycle 63 per cent of their household waste, but Ava and Alec Chakar, siblings in Year 8 and 9, set out to help students at the School do even better! Having developed the idea for a St Andrew’s Cathedral School Recycling Hub, they pitched their idea to Head of School, Dr Julie McGonigle last year. Now they’ve brought this wonderful initiative to life.
Alec and Ava first got their idea after seeing the Recycling Hub at Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre. Following some initial research, they were surprised to discover that many Australians are confused about recycling.
To develop their proposal for Dr McGonigle, they first presented their concept to Head of Gifted Education, Ms Estee Stephenson and Gifted and Talented Teacher, Ms Angela James. These two teachers provided valuable and constructive feedback, and ongoing support throughout the process. They encouraged Alec and Ava to consider the feasibility of their concept and guided them in costing the project before their meeting with Dr McGonigle.
“Alec and Ava had a passion for their vision, right from the very beginning of this project. It was wonderful to see them develop and refine their idea,” said Ms Stephenson.
Dr McGonigle encouraged Alec and Ava to share their plan with Deputy Head of School, Mr Brad Swibel and Property and Facilities Manager, Mr Darrin Parsons – both of which would be able to help Alec and Ava make their vision a reality.
“It was a heartwarming moment for both of us, as it reflected the effort we had put into the presentation.”
“After hearing our concept, Dr McGonigle was incredibly supportive, telling us that she loved our project. It was a heartwarming moment for both of us, as it reflected the effort we had put into the presentation,” said Ava.
The project was not without its challenges. The initial six months involved lots of research to inform the ideation process. Alec and Ava learned all they could about recycling – they researched everything from bin sizes to the types of items they wanted to recycle, and even designed the actual Recycle Hub in a 3D model.
From the process, they learnt to persevere and to be courageous. They discovered the importance of never discounting an idea and that hard work pays off. Throughout the process they were inspired to persevere – with the thought that, ‘simply by changing daily habits, we can make a real difference to the environment and give back to society’.
The St Andrew’s Cathedral School Recycling Hub was officially launched on Monday 11 August with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a special assembly in St Andrew’s Cathedral.
“Ava and Alec have been teaching us that recycling saves space, water, energy, biodiversity, money, air quality and trees. It just makes sense. Well done on championing your idea,” said Dr McGonigle.
Students at the assembly heard from special guests Programme Manager for Return and Earn from Environmental Education NSW, Mr Jules Laurent and Director of the Australian Wildlife Society, Mr John Creighton. Money generated from the Return and Earn programme will go towards our koala corridor fund at Kirrikee, the St Andrew’s Cathedral School Outdoor Education campus.
“After all our hard work, it was incredibly rewarding to finally see our vision take shape right before our eyes.”
“The best part of the project was witnessing the Recycle Hub come to life, from the carpentry being built to the background decals being installed. After all our hard work, it was incredibly rewarding to finally see our vision take shape right before our eyes,” said Alec.
The Recycling Hub is situated on Level 4 of St Andrew’s House. Let’s all get involved by recycling our cans, bottles, eyeglasses, batteries, books, stationery and more.
Upon asking Alec and Ava for their advice for other students perusing a vision, Ava was keen to emphasise the importance of believing in yourself.
“If you have an idea, be brave and trust yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
“If you have an idea, be brave and trust yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek guidance from teachers or mentors who can support you,” said Ava
Congratulations Ava and Alec, on having the courage to propose your idea, the perseverance to problem-solve it and the persistence to see it through!
