The School Starter Program encourages Prep students to make water conservation a lifelong habit, and educates them about drinking water for health.
The program was piloted in 2005 with just 10 schools involved. In 2011, 32 schools and 1,600 Prep students participated.
In 2011, the Prep students received a free School Starter's Kit containing fun and educational activity sheets, information for parents, a water bottle, and water-saving products including a shower timer, a cup for teeth-brushing, and a plug to fit any sink.
The students also enjoyed a free presentation introducing the water cycle, with important messages about water conservation and healthy hydration. They also met Western Water's mascot, Sammy the Snake, and were invited to join Sammy’s Waterwise Club.
Woodend Primary prep teacher Jill Clements described the Western Water program as "a wonderful educational tool".
"The program is fantastic," Ms Clements said. "We were very happy to be involved again, because the children enjoy it and learn a lot too."
Parents like Cathy enjoy the benefits of the program too:
“My daughter, Isabelle, attends Gisborne Montessori School and recently the school had a visit from Ann from Western Water."
“Isabelle was captivated by Ann and Sammy the Snake. Daily we hear ‘Ann said.....’ We now have the shower timer in place in the shower and are constantly reminded to save water,” said Cathy.
“So I would like to say thank you to Ann for having such an enormous and positive impact on Isabelle.”
More Information
- The 2011 School Starter Program is complete.
- Invitations for the 2012 School Starter Program will be sent to all primary schools in the Western Water region in Term 4, 2011
For more information telephone 03 9218 5415 or email education@westernwater.com.au.