As we embark on another year of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Year 11 students will be involved in environmental research and action. The St Anthony in the Field Kieran’s Creek Steering Team is thrilled to introduce an exciting new phase in our ongoing commitment to the health and restoration of Kieran’s Creek. Kieran’s Creek is located across the road from GISS in the grounds of St Anthony’s. It runs all the way to the Hawkesbury River, part of the Cowan catchment.
partnership between giss, st Anthony in the field
and stream-watch (State government)
exciting new phase for kieran's creek project in 2025 in collaboration with year 11
On Friday 7 February some Year 11 students and their teachers plus some students from Brigidine College and teachers attended an introductory session with Anne Lanyon from St Anthony in the Field and Mark Secombe from Streamwatch. During this session students participated in a water quality testing session and the identification of macro invertebrates.
This marks a significant learning opportunity for school, and we are eager to explore innovative ways to document our progress—perhaps even capturing footage via drone!
As part of the Collaborative Science Program (CSP) and CAS all Year 11 students will be involved.
Anne Lanyon and GISS students: Jamila, Aureleo and Yeshan with Mr Winoto
Students studying the range of macroinvertebrates found in Kieren’s Creek
Thanks to a small grant from the Northern Beaches Council, we have acquired a Streamwatch Kit, dipping nets, and training from Landcare’s Streamwatch staff. This initiative will involve a suitable teacher from each participating school, along with senior students engaged in relevant science and community programs. Our partnership with the Northern Region Landcare Network has generated strong interest and support for improving Kieran’s Creek’s health.
This project will teach participants how to test water quality, record findings, and engage their families and schools in monitoring and conservation efforts.
Project Overview
Since 2016, the broader Kieran’s Creek revegetation project has relied on dedicated volunteers from the St Anthony in the Field Kieran’s Creek Landcare Group. These volunteers work regularly across five different sites along the riparian zone. The project continues to grow, and 2025 will see greater involvement from youth, the local parish, and the wider community in an initiative that directly contributes to the health of the Hawkesbury River system.
The project will also help retain a crucial wildlife corridor while fostering awareness of biodiversity’s role in maintaining a healthy environment.