JEM
J.E.M. at Glendal Primary School
Joint Environmental Mission (J.E.M.)
Glendal Primary School is proud to be an original member of the Joint Environmental Mission (J.E.M.), an international program connecting schools around the world with a shared mission:
“To help the children of all nations walk the Earth together in balance with the environment.”
Glendal actively participated in J.E.M. from the program’s launch in 1991. Over the years, our school built close relationships with Buckingham Friends School (Pennsylvania, USA) and Kamehameha Elementary School (Honolulu, USA). Student and teacher visits fostered international friendships, cultural understanding, environmental awareness, and the sharing of teaching strategies.
The JEM Team
The JEM Team at Glendal brings this legacy to life today. Made up of teachers, a Year 6 JEM Captain, and class JEM representatives from Years 3 to 6, the team meets weekly to lead initiatives that engage staff and students in sustainability, creativity, and community action.
Some of Glendal’s current JEM initiatives include:
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- Nude Food Day: A weekly competition encouraging students to reduce lunchbox packaging waste.
- Waste Warriors: Student-led litter reduction efforts across the school.
- Fundraising for environmental protection: Special events supporting organisations such as the Phillip Island Penguin Foundation.
- Nature-inspired activities: Opportunities for students to explore and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world through art, writing, and classroom projects.
ResourceSmart Schools (RSS)
Since 2015, Glendal has been a proud participant in Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) program, supported closely by the Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning (EASL). RSS helps schools embed sustainability across their curriculum, operations, and community life.
Glendal has achieved a four star RSS rating, excelling in areas such as efficient water and energy use and is now targeting a five star rating, reflecting fully embedded sustainability practices and leadership in energy, water, waste, and biodiversity.
Through the JEM Team and our RSS work, Glendal empowers students to take action, make sustainable choices, and develop a lifelong respect for the planet, keeping environmental stewardship at the heart of our school.
