Sharing The Planet Through Fearless5
Term 2 gave our Year 5 students plenty to think about, explore, and to act on.
Through the Fearless5 emPOWER program, the girls investigated the impact of human actions on natural environments and the choices we can make to support sustainability responsibly. This inquiry invited them to look closely at the world around them, ask thoughtful questions, and consider what it means to care for the planet in practical, everyday ways.
Across the term, Fearless5 was not just something the girls studied. It was something they experienced. From wetlands and foreshore walks to biodiversity workshops, creative projects and exhibition preparation, Year 5 embraced the challenge with curiosity, care and energy.
Launching Into Fearless5
Fearless5 began in Week 5 with a launch into the Fearless5 attributes and the term’s big idea of learning how to share the planet.
This year, the EmPOWER project was structured around three key elements: Head, Heart and Hand. Students first investigated the causes of an environmental issue (Head), developing a deep understanding of the problem through research and inquiry. They then explored the impact these issues have on flora and fauna (Heart), encouraging others to empathise with and care about the natural world. Finally, they identified practical actions and innovative solutions that could make a real difference (Hand).
Connecting With Nature At Herdsman Lake
In Week 6, the girls spent the day at Herdsman Lake, where they focused on connecting with nature and developing a deeper understanding of Western Australia’s unique flora and fauna.
Exploring the wetlands gave students the chance to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat and see firsthand why these environments matter. It was an opportunity to slow down, notice details, and better understand the importance of caring for the places and creatures that make our state so special.
Principal Jennifer Oaten Presenting
Week 7 gave students another valuable perspective when Principal Jennifer Oaten presented to the Year 5s in the Forum about the impact humans have on the environment in everyday life.
Her message was clear. Caring for the planet is not only about big ideas. It is also about daily choices. Mrs Oaten spoke about simple but important ways we can reduce water usage, such as taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. She also explained why keeping cats indoors helps protect wildlife, including birds, and highlighted how buildings such as our new Cultural Centre are designed to make use of as much natural light as possible.
These examples helped students see that sustainability is not distant or abstract. It is woven into the everyday decisions we make at home, at school and in the wider community.
Bringing Learning To Life Through Art
Fearless5 also made space for creativity.
As part of the term, students completed a “What A Bunch” watercolour art project inspired by natural local flora and fauna found around the school grounds, (thank you maintenance department!). After closely studying the design, colours and textures of the plants and flowers, the girls carefully drew their chosen subject and used watercolour to paint it in natural, realistic tones.
This project invited students to observe the natural world with patience and precision. It was also a reminder that learning about the environment is not only scientific. It can also be creative, reflective and deeply appreciative.
Sharing Their Learning With Others
By Thursday of Week 10, the girls had reached a special milestone in the term.
Following their end of term assembly, Year 5 hosted the Friends of Flora and Fauna Exhibition on Thursday 25 June, where they shared their work with parents and carers.
This gave the girls the chance to celebrate what they had learnt, explain the thinking behind their projects and take pride in the journey they had taken across the term. They also showed just how much growth had taken place through the inquiry.
A Term Of Thoughtful Learning
Fearless5 has been a huge success this term, and the girls embraced every part of it with enthusiasm.
One student, Victoria, shared how her team developed a practical solution to help protect koalas:
“We’ve learnt that koalas are threatened by dogs and cars, so we discovered that dogs don’t like certain sprays. We invented Vitrus, which is made from vinegar and citrus, to help keep dogs away from koalas.”
Reflecting on the program, one of the Year 5 teachers and Fearless5 coordinators, Lindsey Fitzgerald shared:
“I was amazed by their creativity, critical thinking and determination to challenge existing behaviours and inspire positive change. Their thoughtful solutions demonstrate that even young people can play a powerful role in helping our flora and fauna thrive while protecting the beautiful planet we all call home.”
The success of Fearless5 is a testament to the passion and potential of our students. Through their ideas and actions, they have shown that young people can be powerful change makers, helping to create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
- biodiversity workshop, climate change education, Environmental Education, flora and fauna learning, Herdsman Lake excursion, primary school inquiry learning, Santa Maria College, student exhibition, Year 5 learning journey, Year 5 sustainability
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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