Winters Flat Primary School has been named ResourceSmart School of the Year, while with educator Jeanette McMahon awarded the honour of their Teacher of the Year. 

The humble school also picked up the top gong as both Energy and Waste Primary School of the Year in the Victoria Sustainability awards, sponsored by Momentum Energy. 

But the students and staff acknowledge that the big winner from their sustainable efforts is the environment. 

Four years ago, only one or two students would have a lunch box free of packaging or plastic wrapping – otherwise known as “nude food”. 

Now, Ms McMahon said there has been a total turn-around, with almost all students bringing a “nude food” lunch to school. 

“We have had a complete cultural shift,” Ms McMahon said. 

“Everybody is holding it – it is a shared responsibility.

“I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s been a lot of work. It’s a love project – on top of the teaching – so I’m wrapped to be recognised and I have a strong community behind me.”

The school also had no rubbish bins and all organic waste is used for the school’s worm farm. 

The school reduced its energy consumption by 25 per cent in two years. 

Every student must have their jumper on in class before resorting to switching the heating on. 

The students also broadcast the next day’s weather before the final bell rings, letting their peers know if it’s a “one layer day” or if they’ll need to bring a jumper. 

The school set up a student leadership program, with Koori and community leaders. 

She said the voices of youth and children were vital in creating a sustainable future for the environment. 

Ms McMahon said ResourceSmart had rewarded their embedded sustainability curriculum – that will persist even if or when passionate teachers move on – and she hopes their pioneering work will be a blueprint for other schools in the region to adopt. 

The state government initiative described Ms McMahon as “dedicated” and “inspirational”. 

Students Riley Stuchbree and Darcy McRostie were over the moon about their swag of awards. 

“We have been working really hard for it,” Darcy said. 

“I’m just so thrilled and excited to get an award for something we’ve been working so hard for,” Riley said.  

Since 2011, more than 1200 Victorian schools have reduced their waste, saved energy and water, promoted biodiversity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, saving $15 million through the ResourceSmart program.