School Spotlight aims to highlight each and every one of the unique schools within the Solar Schools program. This month we caught up with Noosaville State School (Queensland) located in Noosa Shire on the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast. The school campus sits not far from stunning national parks and the Traditional Owners and original custodians of the land were the Kabi Kabi / Gubbi Gubbi people. Principal Mike Hobson was gracious enough to answer our questions.

How would you describe your school? What makes it different/unique from other schools?
Noosaville State School is a young 25 years old, and we’re aligned with today’s community sustainability expectations.

Did your school have Energy & Sustainability measures put in place before joining the Solar Schools program?
We had some measures in place including turning the power off when leaving rooms and producing an environmental outdoor learning area.

How (or where) did you first hear about the Solar Schools program and what prompted your school to want to join?
Through our school and community networks including the Noosa Biosphere.

Does the Solar Schools program help your teaching team achieve education objectives?
Our teaching team are just starting to use the program.

Does the Solar Schools program help students achieve energy/sustainability goals at school and home?
We’re currently establishing this process and ideas now.

Has Solar Schools helped your school reduce electricity usage and costs?
Yes! You can see the data (view live school profile).

What activities has your school/classrooms undertaken that are changing behaviours around energy and energy efficiency? Have you noticed a difference before and after the Solar Schools program was implemented?
Just starting to see. The school air conditioner use has been more sensible.

What would you like to see added to the Solar Schools program that would benefit your school/students?
The Solar Schools program could align with tree planting to help offset (non-renewable) energy use in schools.

Would you recommend Solar Schools to other schools (or organisations)? If so, what would you tell them about Solar Schools and, want them to get from the program?
Solar Schools makes a difference to not only the school but the future of the community in Noosa.

Every school has an interesting story and we love to hear them! Please contact us via theteam@solarschools.net if you’d like to be featured.