The Enviroschools Learning Support Aide (ELSA) Programme is a 30-week “Return to the Workforce” programme in Tāmaki Makaurau. Enviroschools Learning Support Aides facilitate sustainability education in schools by working alongside teachers and students, supporting hands-on projects, gardening, and environmental action. Initially trialled as a one-year programme in 2018, it has gone from strength to strength and is now successfully offered in a growing number Enviroschools throughout Auckland region. Special mention and mihi to Cate Jessep (Auckland Sustainable Schools team and Enviroschools facilitator) and Margaret Campbell (Manager, Waitakere Improving School Attendance Programme), for jointly developing this programme over the years. We would like to acknowledge Margaret’s role, as a long-term partner, responsible for securing the funding, attracting a number of the applicants, managing their contracts and visiting them on a biweekly basis.
In 2026 nine new Enviroschools Learning Support Aides from West and South Auckland completed two days of teacher aide training before arriving at Edmonton Primary School for a day of Enviroschools professional development, keen to find out what an ELSA does that is different to other teacher aides in schools.
The 2026 the Enviroschools Learning Support Aides are from five Enviroschools – Flanshaw Road School, Tirimoana School, Titirangi School, Nga Iwi School and Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Junior and Middle School. All of the newly appointed ELSA’s come speaking two languages, bringing a rich diversity of knowledge and experiences.
After a warm welcome they were invited to participate in a whakawhanaunga activity to get to know each other better, before being introduced to the Enviroschools Kaupapa. In pairs they worked together, unpacking sustainability using the Enviroschools ‘the world is an apple’ activity.
Unpacking sustainability using the Enviroschools ‘the world is an apple’ activity.
Next they were shown 30 photos of students taking sustainable action in various Auckland Enviroschools and asked to select one that appealed to them. They were then introduced to the Enviroschools five Guiding Principles and asked which Guiding Principles their photo was an example of. This led to great discussions and a better understanding of the Enviroschools Kaupapa.
The Enviroschools Kaupapa has 5 Guiding Principles and 4 Key Areas
The group was then taken on a tour of Edmonton Enviroschool to see the māra kai, orchard, garden shed, worm farm, native planting, and pa harakeke, before enjoying a well-earned lunch.
Touring Edmonton School to check out the various sustainability initiatives
After lunch they went through the 30-week programme, talked about next steps, including practicing introducing themselves and their role in the staff room. They departed slightly nervous yet excited to get into their schools.