Year 6 students from St Joseph's Primary School at Como have partnered with Taronga Zoo as part of a program to promote koala conservation.
With this year being particularly tough for year 6 students who missed out on many of the traditional end-of-primary school activities due to COVID-19 restrictions, year 6 teacher Nicole Mathers was on the hunt for a program that was educational and enjoyable.
She said the students took to the program, which included writing and illustrating a book about the impact of last year's bushfires on the koala population; making 'habitat boxes' which included trees donated by Bunnings; designing and creating clothing and shoes to create awareness of the risks facing koalas and even contacting Prime Minister Scott Morrison about a protection act for koalas.
One student even produced his own tie dye T-shirts, which he sold at Kareela Village to raise money for Australian Koala Foundation.
The program culminated last week when students presented the work to koala experts, including staff from Taronga Zoo.
"This program has given my students hope and something to look forward to," Ms Mathers said.
"What my year 6 students have produced is nothing short of amazing.
"What better way to showcase the threat of potential extinction of our Australian iconic animal and celebrate an extraordinary final year of primary school."
