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When students, teachers and communities collaborate, the impact is hard to ignore. The ResourceSmart Schools Awards celebrate the efforts of schools across Victoria working to realise a more sustainable future.
In 2025, more schools entered than ever before, making the celebration bigger and the judges' task even more challenging. It’s a cause we’re proud to support, and we were delighted to announce the Teacher of the Year winners.
At a ceremony held on World Environment Day, Albion Primary School’s Marita Ryan was named Primary School Teacher of the Year and Kew High School’s Elise Dunstan won Secondary School Teacher of the Year.
Marita Ryan, Albion Primary School, Primary School Teacher of the Year
Marita’s leadership has embedded sustainability into Albion Primary School’s curriculum and school community. She teaches gardening, biodiversity and water testing skills in hands-on lessons.
'As a PE teacher, my classroom is the yard.
Marita has encouraged Albion Primary School to emphasise sustainability education, and her enthusiasm has inspired students and their families to adopt activities like bird watching and take part in Clean Up Australia Day.
Elise Dunstan, Secondary School Teacher of the Year
Elise Dunstan has led the way in environmental education at Kew High School, integrating sustainability into operations and curriculum. Leading the Eco Crew, Elise organised the Kew High School Sustainability Summit.
'I want to empower our students.
Elise is passionate about inclusion and works with international students and students with additional needs to drive recycling collections and encourage worm farming.
'It's inspiring to see the impact of teachers and students working together for a common goal. These projects are making a real impact, and the Teacher of the Year winners should feel so proud about what they have accomplished,' said Adrian Wilson, Head of Community Partnerships at Bank First.
ResourceSmart has reached over 1,600 Victorian schools since 2008. Together they have planted more than 5.1 million trees, diverted 170,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill and prevented over 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Who's working hand in hand with sustainability leaders, current and future? Bank First, That's who.
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