Congratulations to our recently retired Science and Sustainability Teacher, Ms Ann-Kathrin Kiehn, who has been named Sustainable Schools NSW Teacher of the Year in the 2022 NSW Environmental Education Awards.
These awards are held each year by the Australian Association for Environmental Education, the national peak professional association for environmental educators in Australia, and are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements of environmental educators across NSW.
Ann-Kathrin has been a champion for whole school sustainability at St Columba Anglican School (SCAS) and an inspiring teaching professional and school leader. Ann-Kathrin has engaged in practical environment projects that have a real impact in our school, enhancing biodiversity and gardens and minimising school waste.
The SCAS Primary School now has a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling program, including green organics, recycling schemes, and Return and Earn bottle and can collection. Ann-Kathrin was also instrumental in the creation and care of our abundant vegetable gardens and the installation of beehives full of native stingless bees. She has also encouraged student involvement in a range of sustainability events and programs, including Clean Up Australia Day, citizen science programs, Koala Smart and Solar Buddy.
Ann-Kathrin has enhanced her own and others’ professional practice by reviewing curriculum, ongoing mentoring, networking and personal skills development. She has also demonstrated leadership in the School community, regularly promoting sustainability initiatives, supporting the school Sustainability Committee and advocating for the creation of the School’s Sustainability and Environmental Centre (SEC), a dedicated space for environmental education. Her dedication and commitment over several years have led to positive social and environmental impacts within St Columba Anglican School and the local community.
