It is estimated the energy saved as a result of installing solar panels at 10 Catholic Schools in the Parramatta Diocese would result in 45% reduction of electricity consumed, resulting in a saving of $495k per annum.
Up to 10 Catholic Schools in the Parramatta Diocese will play a pivotal role in getting schools powered solely by renewable energy and teaching students about sustainability.
The Diocese has engaged corporate energy experts Verdia to conduct detailed site assessments and project scoping at 10 pilot schools in a bid to instal rooftop solar panels and upgrade the LED lighting.
Merrylands, Cerdon College Principal Patricia Baker said they are delighted to have been selected as a pilot school for this project.
"Given the rising cost of electricity in a school's limited budget, Cerdon College hopes to be able to make savings on its power bills while at the same time teaching students significant lessons on ways of reducing electricity consumption, efficient and renewable ways of producing electricity, whilst at the same time encouraging students to understand peak energy consumption times and relative costs of producing electricity," Mrs Baker said.
"The College hopes this program will enhance the existing STEM curriculum within the College and encourage a change in student's ideas regarding electricity usage."
Inspections of all the sites have just been completed. The focus for the inspections was to identify lighting equipment already installed, confirm technical feasibility and assess structural suitability of roofs to install recommended solar photovoltaic systems.
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Infrastructure Program Manager David Cosgrove said the proposal would be to eventually roll the project out to all 80 schools in the Diocese.
"The lighting equipment recommended during our assessment is suitable for replacement of the existing fittings and will improve the school’s learning environment," Mr Cosgrove said.
"This change provides reduction in glare, colour rendering improvement, reduction in electricity consumption.
"In addition, the lighting replacement program will reduce maintenance across all sites."
The schools on the pilot list include:
- Chisholm Primary School Bligh Park
- Xavier College Llandilo
- St Michael’s Primary School Baulkham Hill
- St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas
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08 Jun 2023
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Well done to the 3 Stage 3 Girls Soccer teams who recently participated in the Diocesan Soccer Gala in Penrith. It was a fantastic day with great sportsmanship from our girls and lots of laughs. Congratulations on learning some new skills. β½οΈ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
07 Jun 2023
From Facebook
Year 6 were extremely enthusiastic about the Cultural art workshop today led by Josh and Darren. They learned about the artistic techniques used by different Indigenous groups and the symbolism in the art styles. What a fantastic experience for our students Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
05 Jun 2023
From Facebook
02 Jun 2023
From Facebook
Year 3 have been out and about checking the progress in their gardens, watering and weeding whilst Year 5 are loving the delicious fresh oranges growing in our school citrus trees. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
01 Jun 2023
From Facebook
Year Two love learning through song and dance. Last week our focus was on the Fruits of the Spirit. There are fruits that we are good at showing and others that we are working on. What fruit are you going to try and grow this week? πππππ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
31 May 2023
From Facebook
Year 6 were extremely privileged to take part in an Aboriginal Dance workshop today led by Josh Sly from Jarara and Darren Compton from Muggera Dances. The children learned about the dance movements, links to country and stories behind the dance. They enjoyed asking questions to learn more about Indigenous culture.Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
31 May 2023
From Facebook
Kindergarten had an amazing time with 12 little ducklings over the past few weeks. It was a real hands on learning experience for the children as they got to care for and play with the ducks. The children were able to say goodbye to the ducks as they were picked up by Farmer Laura from #hatchngrow π£π¦π Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
29 May 2023
From Facebook
Congratulations to all the Chisholm students who celebrated their First Holy Communion over the last two weekends. May the light of Christ be with you always. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
26 May 2023
From Facebook
Today Chisholm came together as a community to raise money for The Cancer Council by hosting a Big Morning Tea. We were extremely humbled by the overflow of baked goods donated by families to be sold. Your generosity and giving spirit are so extremely appreciated. Seeing the sea of yellow as families ate morning tea together was uplifting. We raised $2,210 from the sales of the yummy treats and we thank you for your generosity and continued support! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
26 May 2023
From Facebook
Congratulations to the Chisholm students who represented our school at the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Cross Country. An amazing achievement! Well done!
26 May 2023
From Facebook
Congratulations to Timofei, Isaac and Ivan for competing at the Australian Gymnastics Championships. The three tumbling super stars were awarded 2 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Timofei will be competing at the World Gymnastics Championships in November in England. Congratulations to these talented young athletes. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
25 May 2023
From Facebook
Yesterday Chisholm celebrated the Mass for Mary, Help of Christians. The students were extremely prayerful and reverent as we thanked the Lord for His blessing of our Mother Mary. We were extremely proud of all the students who had a special role to play in the Mass. We were especially proud of Year 5 and their beautiful liturgical movement. π Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese