March 2026 Term 1 Newsletter: Australia’s first schools and industry Sustainability Learning Ecosystem

Welcome to the Climate Action Schools newsletter

The world can feel overwhelming right now. As conflict dominates the headlines and the scale of our environmental challenges grows, it's easy to wonder whether any of it matters.

We think it does. In fact, we think it matters more than ever.

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The 11 R's of Circularity: A Framework for Schools That Actually Changes Behaviour

There's a quiet revolution happening in schools. It doesn't look like a protest or a policy. It looks like someone noticing a broken chair and asking, "Can we fix that instead of throwing it away?" It looks like a class mapping out where their waste goes. It looks like young people who don't just know about climate action — they're doing something about it.

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What is a Sustainability (LEAN) Learning Ecosystem and why are we building one on the Sunshine Coast?

We’re partnering with the Queensland Government Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Hub and Cummins and building a Sustainability Learning Ecosystem (SLE) on the Sunshine Coast!

It's a phrase that raises eyebrows in the best possible way. People lean in and ask: what does that mean?

It's a fair question. And the answer is one of the most exciting things happening in Queensland education and manufacturing right now.

Let's start with LEAN

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Green Gold Rush!

Queensland Schools only … Exciting news from the P&C Association of Queensland and Container Exchange! We're thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity for our schools to lead the way in sustainability and generate additional valuable funds for your P&C. In the first half of 2026, the P&C Association will be releasing 20 regional Donation Stations to schools in the SE Corner, and your school could be on the priority list!  Apply by Feb 13!

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January 2026 Term 1 Newsletter: Award-Winning Sustainability Support for Queensland Schools

Welcome back to a busy year ahead!

Whether you're starting out on your sustainability journey or you're a seasoned professional, welcome.

Exciting times as we collaborate with P&Cs Qld and Container Exchange, see below for details.

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Celebrating Success: Why Our Award-Winning sustainability program Needs YOU! 🏆

At Climate Action Schools, we believe in empowering the next generation to drive meaningful environmental change. We're incredibly proud of the impact our program is making, and it's truly heartening to see that impact recognised on a national stage! This recognition isn't just for us; it's a testament to the power of collaboration and the incredible commitment of our partners.

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Term 4, 2025 Newsletter: A Year-End Check-In: Sustainability, Systems & 2026 Workshops

As another school year winds up for Year 12’s and everyone is starting to plan Christmas presents and parties, it’s a timely reminder to think and behave sustainably. Lean even.

 

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The Lean Sensei

The Lean Sensei: Smarter solutions for lasting change.
Thanks to our partners at The Industry Factory and Neuro Group, we’re excited to share access to a 2 week free trial of The Lean Sensei. This innovative AI coach blends LEAN principles and the behavioural science insights from the NeuroPower framework to empower Climate Action Schools and industry partners, helping them embed sustainable practices and drive professional growth. Start your 2-week FREE trial here:https://neuroplus.ai/passports/lean-sensei-cas-2025

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ESG That Matters: Why Industry Partners Are Driving Change in Schools

As ESG becomes a core responsibility for organisations, many industries are looking for meaningful ways to create environmental and social impact — not just report on it.

That’s where Climate Action Schools comes in.

Partnering with a school gives industry a direct line to real, measurable ESG outcomes while supporting local communities and the next generation of workers.

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Start with a Tour? Stepping into a Sustainable Future: Industry Tours for Professional Growth

In today's rapidly evolving world, the call for sustainability resonates across every sector. Whether you're shaping young minds in the classroom, maintaining vital spaces, or steering an enterprise, understanding, and implementing sustainable practices is no longer optional – it's essential for our collective future and individual professional growth.

 

Many of us are passionate about sustainability but sometimes translating that passion into tangible action or effective teaching can feel challenging.

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Term 3 Newsletter: Celebrating Sustainability & Industry 6.0 - Thriving Together!

To our incredible schools, valued industry partners, dedicated volunteers, visionary leaders, and passionate student ambassadors – Welcome!

This newsletter is a testament to our collective commitment, designed to inspire and empower every step of your sustainability journey.

At Climate Action Schools, we live our vision daily: Redesigning Success: People + planet; thriving together. 

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Unlocking Tomorrow's Leaders: The Power of Your School's Sustainability Skills Centre

Australia's new Circular Economy Framework is here, and it's a game-changer. It envisions a future where waste is a resource, value is kept in play, and our economy thrives in harmony with the planet. But how do we get there? At Climate Action Schools, we believe the journey starts in our schools, with our students.

Imagine a school where 75% of resources are diverted from landfill, where recycling is decontaminated, and organics are recovered daily. This isn't a dream; it's the reality in our partner schools, thanks to our unique program.

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The Human Touch: Why People Still Outperform AI in Recycling, and AI's Thirsty Secret

In the quest for a more sustainable future, technology often promises revolutionary solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) is frequently touted as the answer to many of our environmental challenges, including improving efficiency in resource recovery and recycling facilities. However, when it comes to the intricate task of sorting materials on a picking line, human workers currently hold a significant advantage. What's more, the very AI systems designed to help us often come with a hidden environmental cost: vast amounts of water.

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Foundation Partners: Cummins Leads the Way to a Circular Future

In the journey towards Industry 6.0, true leadership means integrating sustainability into the very core of your business. We want to give a massive shout-out to Cummins, our foundation partner, who exemplifies this vision and has been instrumental in the inception and growth of Climate Action Schools.

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Community Powering a Sustainable Future: Woodridge State High and Industry 6.0 in Action

At Climate Action Schools, we believe in fostering a holistic approach to sustainability, understanding that our local actions contribute to a global vision. This vision extends beyond the classroom, embracing a collaborative 'ecosystem' where industry, community, and education unite. Recently, Woodridge State High School became a vibrant example of this philosophy, hosting a special working bee that showcased the power of collective effort in driving Industry 6.0 sustainability.

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Beyond the Doughnut: Finding Our Sweet Spot for People and Planet

We all love a good doughnut, right? But what if a doughnut could also be a blueprint for a thriving, sustainable future? Enter "Donut Economics" – a revolutionary idea that's changing how we think about our economy and our planet.

Developed by economist Kate Raworth, Donut Economics isn't about cutting back; it's about finding a "sweet spot" where everyone can flourish without trashing our home.

So, What's in the Donut?

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A Business Manager’s Perspective: The Climate Action Schools Advantage

As the Business Manager at Woodridge State High School, I am always on the lookout to save operational cost for the school and to help facilitate student learning in a practical, real world experience. I want to share our positive experience with a program called Climate Action Schools.

 

Like many schools, managing waste effectively and controlling associated costs has always been a challenge. We recently implemented the Climate Action Schools program, which provides a practical, system-based approach to resource recovery right here at school.

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Woodridge SHS Year 10s: Global Citizens Driving Local Change

Our Vision in Action: The Year 10 student pilot program at Woodridge SHS powerfully embodies Climate Action Schools' vision of "Redesigning Success: People and planet, thriving together," by empowering students to connect global challenges with local action.

Woodridge SHS Vision/Values: Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow. Empowered, Resilient and World Changing

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Shailer Park SHS: Innovating Upstream for a Safer, Smarter Future

Our Vision in Action: Shailer Park SHS exemplifies Climate Action Schools' vision of "Redesigning Success: People and planet, thriving together," by fostering teamwork and innovation for a sustainable future.  Principal Megan Herbert calls us a ‘critical support partner”.

Shailer Park SHS Vision/Values: Excellence in Learning and Life, Purpose – Inspiring lifelong learners to succeed in a world of opportunities.

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