Excursion Costs and Guidelines

Costs

Each program costs $5.00 per student, for a 1.5 - 2 hour duration.  There is the option to combine two programs to form a half day excursion for one class.  The cost will then be $7.00 per student.  A combined program has approximately a 3 and a half hour duration, which includes a break for students.

PLEASE NOTE: The MAXIMUM attendance per program is 30 students.  You can opt to bring two classes at once (thus, maximum booking capacity is extended to 60 students) but an alternate self-guided activity will be your option in catering for a large group.  Please click here for more information.

Purpose of the Excursion

Piney Lakes unique sustainable building showcases sustainable building designs and provides learning experiences by connecting students with nature and empowering them with knowledge about how to live sustainably and in harmony with the environment.

The learning experiences have been developed to cover a range of topics including sustainability around the home and sustainability in the bushland and all programs are tailored to suit different developmental stages from early childhood to tertiary level.  Please refer to "Education Programs and Excursions" for further details on the activities we offer.

Environment

Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre is situated within a 68 hectare reserve on the corner of Leach Highway and Murdoch Drive.  The main entrance to the centre is from Leach Highway.

Piney Lakes Reserve is bushland and wetland remnant and parklands.  The wetland forms part of the Beeliar wetland regional park, a north/south chain of wetlands.  The bushland and wetland remnant has been subjected to considerable environmental change since urbanization resulting in varied bushland condition and increased levels of degradation.  It is a good example for students to learn about how an ecosystem changes in response to human activity.

Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre has toilet facilities, an amphitheatre, a laboratory and is hired by the public during the day and therefore facilities for school excursions and facilities for the public are on a shared basis.

Transport

The centre has parking for up to 50 cars, and a wide turning circle and front door drop-off for buses.  One ACROD permit car parking space is available at the front entrance.

The centre is located on Leach Highway and is accessible by public transport.  The City of Melville’s Travelsmart Officer can assist with public transport information (call 9364 0673).

Supervisor/Supervisory Team

The Environmental Education Officer is available to take school groups on these excursions and will guide students through the activities. 

External Provider Information

The Environmental Education Officer has a Working With Children’s check and National Police Check.

The centre has full public liability insurance. This insurance policy does not cover loss or damage of personal belongings.  Please remind your students that they are responsible for their own belongings at all times.

Supervision Strategies

According to our guidelines, school group leaders are responsible for the supervision of visiting groups as part of their duty of care and we ask that you ensure that appropriate standards of behavior are maintained at all times.

Monitoring the physical well being and behavior of student’s remains the responsibility of the school at all times.

We have a maximum booking of 30 students per visit.

One supervisor : ten students (ratio of 1:10). NOTE: The Environmental Education Officer CANNOT be included in this supervision ratio.

Identification of Excursion Participants

If undertaking a bushland/wetland tour, at least one adult should supervise the rear of the group. As all tours involve at least some time outside the building, students should be prepared for both wet and sunny weather.

Communication Strategies

The Environmental Education Officer carries a mobile phone and first aid kit. 

We strongly advise the school supervisor team to bring a mobile phone as part of their communication plan.  Please advise the Environmental Education Officer of the mobile number at the time of booking and check this on the day of the excursion.

Emergency Response Plan

The emergency evacuation plan will be explained upon arrival at the Centre and applicable safety instructions will be delivered to all teachers, staff and students.

Briefing Students and Supervisors

Upon receipt of a booking our Faciliities Support Officer will email or post a confirmation letter to the person making the booking.  A copy of the guidelines for schools visiting will also be sent and must be signed before the excursion can commence.

Council officers will take the leading role in carrying out the excursion and providing educational materials to user groups, where possible. Students and the school supervisory team will be briefed by the Environmental Education Officer on arrival to Piney Lakes regarding rules and safety protocols concerning visitor conduct. 

Please be aware of weather conditions and plan your excursion appropriately.  Adaptations to the programs can be made dependant on weather, however it is the responsibility of students and staff to ensure they are prepared for all weather conditions (including wet weather clothing or sun protection).