Enviroschool

Patricia Avenue School is proud to be part of the nationwide Enviroschools programme which is an initiative that empowers students to create a sustainable future through assessing the current situation, exploring alternative options, taking action, and reflecting throughout the process.

We are thrilled to have recently achieved our Silver Enviroschool Award, recognising our school-wide commitment to sustainability and student-led environmental action.

Sustainability is embraced across all our sites. Satellite classes aim to actively engage in Enviroschools initiatives within their host schools, contributing to shared environmental goals and fostering strong community connections. From waste reduction and composting to planting and garden maintenance, our students participate in meaningful, hands-on projects that support both their learning and wellbeing.

Our Transition Unit supports the local Fairfield Community Garden, where students have been provided opportunities to gain valuable life skills while contributing to a shared community resource. We are also proud to be involved in regional initiatives such as native tree planting across various sites in the Waikato, giving students the opportunity to connect with the wider environment and develop a sense of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

We are currently in the exciting process of designing a sensory garden at our base school, which will become an accessible and engaging outdoor learning space. This garden will support sensory development, wellbeing, and connection with the natural world for all learners.

Through various initiatives, we are aiming to empower our tamariki to be kaitiaki of the environment – now and for the future.