Each year, Earthcare St Kilda deliver the signature penguin program for St Michael’s Grammar School Grade 3 students. The students learn all about the St Kilda penguins and the work that Earthcare does to protect them.
We teach the students about the life and breeding cycle of penguins during two incursions and two excursions to the St Kilda breakwater.
Before the sun sets and the penguins return home, the Grade 3 students spend some time on St Kilda beach collecting rubbish. They learn about the impact of plastic pollution for the environment and for the St Kilda penguins.
We teach the students about minimizing waste and the importance of litter collection to help prevent penguins from bringing litter into their nests.
While the new boardwalk is being redeveloped, we have partnered with St Kilda Ferry’s to provide two unforgettable nights of penguin viewing.
While on board the ferry, the students get to view rafts of penguins returning home and watch the penguins hopping along the rocks back to their nests.
We also provide the students with camera footage from inside four nests. The students analyse the footage and make notes about the behaviour of adults and chicks during the breeding season.
In 2023, the students produced some wonderful drawings that can be viewed on the St Kilda pier. You can also purchase one from us for $1.50. All proceeds go towards penguin protection.
When the new boardwalk reopens we are looking to expand our program to other schools. Please reach out to us at info@earthcarestkilda.org.au if you would like partner with us.