November 2023: Monica O’Shannessey, Principal, St Joseph’s Sorrento:

I would like to thank the Point Nepean Men’s Shed for the contribution that they have made and continue to make to our sustainability programs at St Joseph’s, Sorrento. Over the years a wonderful group of men from the Men’s Shed, co-ordinated by Terry Phippen have attended our school working on a range of activities with our students. Apart from the amazing intergenerational contact with our students, they have created and provided materials for habitat boxes, insect hotels and Hoodie Shelters.

As you may not be aware there are only 33 pairs of Hooded Plovers on the Mornington Peninsula and only two fledged in 2022. As this was a program that Terry started in 2018, it gave our students the opportunity to participate in a hands-on activity to help this species survive as they are listed as endangered and threatened. Chris Willocks, Friends of the Hooded Plover and Lisa Williams, Ranger, Parks Victoria attended the activity last term and we are so grateful that action to save this species is continuing. Lisa Williams left with 22 shelters.

St Josephs has been participating this year in the Mornington Peninsula Birds In Schools Program, and one of our actions was to construct the shelters. This activity provided a positive action.

We value the contribution your organisation makes to our students’ learning. We are proud of our position on the local environment and its biodiversity which we promote. The hands-on activities make the students’ learning “real.”

Thank you to Terry Phippen, Rob Koller, Laurie Oliver, John Crough, Darrell Mackay, Paddy Downes, Marcus Fox and Wayne Hammermeister.

January 2023:
Gisela Watt, Rye House Clearance:

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Rob and all at the Men’s Shed for all the work you put into clearing out my uncle’s house. A special THANKS to you for all the wonderful work you have done. Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to all at the Men’s Shed for their help.