Neil Smart Environmental Education Fund

Established through a bequest from the late Neil Smart, the Neil Smart Environmental Education grants support staff and students to undertake environmental education projects. Among the 2023 projects, a captivating program on the night sky took shape at Scotts Creek, culminating in a successful stargazing session led by SkyWatch Astronomy Education.

Despite initial setbacks due to the pandemic and weather, the night unfolded with a spectacular display as the supermoon graced the sky. The telescopes, funded by the grant, provided an up-close view of the moon’s intricate details, the majestic rings of Saturn, the Southern Cross pointer stars, and the captivating jewel box cluster of stars, among other celestial wonders.

Under the guidance of Dean from SkyWatch Astronomy Education, the Year 5 boys learned to navigate the southern sky using the Southern Cross pointer stars. Engaging discussions delved into the mysteries of the solar system – from black holes and supernovas to the ecliptic line, planets, light years, the big bang, and even pondering the existence of extra-terrestrial life.

The excitement around the night sky program was palpable. Inspired by the stargazing session, some boys even expressed their creativity by constructing a solar system during a subsequent bush art session.

As part of the grant award, SkyWatch also provided professional development for Scotts Creek staff, enhancing their skills to lead future sessions with students, laying the foundation for continued exploration of the cosmos at Scotts Creek.

If you would like to help expand the range of environmental education opportunities available to our boys, now and in the future, please contact Helen Karapandzic, Director of Philanthropy on (08) 8334 1220.