Year 5 Learning about Resources and Disasters

On Monday, 23 February, the Year 5 students at King’s Pimpama had the privilege of welcoming special guest Garnet Sweeney, Group Maintenance Manager for King’s. Mr Sweeney shared his expertise and gave students a fascinating insight into how our campus has been carefully designed to help mitigate the impact of severe weather events, including flooding. 

Students learned about the important role of our campus’s natural resources, particularly the bio basin, wetland areas, and creek systems. Mr Sweeney explained how these features work together to collect, slow, and safely redirect excess rainwater. These natural systems not only help protect our school from flooding but also support local wildlife and contribute to a healthy environment. In addition to natural resources, students explored the capital resources involved in creating and maintaining these systems. 

Mr Sweeney described the specialised tools and machinery used by his team to build and care for these areas, helping students understand the planning and effort required behind the scenes. Importantly, students also learned about human resources and the vital role Mr Sweeney’s maintenance team plays. His team regularly monitors, maintains, and improves these systems to ensure they continue to function effectively, especially during heavy rain events. 

This visit provided a valuable real-world connection to our Year 5 learning about resources and sustainability. Students were highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions about how our school prepares for extreme weather. 

We sincerely thank Mr Sweeney for giving his time and helping our students gain a deeper appreciation of the planning, teamwork, and care that help keep our school safe.