St. Richard | GRADES 4 & 5

Conservation Initiative: Exploring Alternatives to Single Use Plastics.

Students were asked to consider last year's garbage audit. What did they see a lot of? Most students exclaimed that they had seen too much plastic. Our school's Eco Club brainstormed ways that we, as a school, could limit our use of single-use plastics. Students noticed that many people were asking for plastic utensils from the office instead of bringing some from home. We started by encouraging students to bring reusable utensils. This made a small but noticeable impact. However, the Eco Club thought that our school could do better. We now only allow students to borrow utensils if they leave a deposit behind. It could be a shoe, sweater, fidget, etc. This will enable us to wash and reuse those utensils and keep them out of landfills.

This Conservation Project was made possible by
Union 52 Benevolent Society.

St. Richard | GRADE 3

Conservation Initiative: Vehicle Emissions

As a school, we have noticed many families driving to school rather than walking or biking. We discussed air pollution and how it affects our communities locally and globally. In the warmer months of May and June, the Eco Club shared a presentation on the harmful effects of air pollution and shared ways we, as a school community, can help. Eco Club encouraged students to walk, bike, or scoot to and from school as much as possible. Students seen walking, biking, and scooting were given shoutouts during morning announcements.

This Conservation Project was made possible by
Union 52 Benevolent Society.

St. Richard | GRADE 2

Conservation Initiative: Washing Recyclable Items

Students at St. Richard Grade 2 learned from a video that unwashed, dirty items in recycling bins often get thrown in the trash. Deciding they wanted everything they put in the recycling bins to be recycled, they began cleaning their empty juice containers and other recyclables before putting them in the bin.

This Conservation Project was made possible by
Union 52 Benevolent Society.

St. Richard | GRADE 3

Conservation Initiative: Pollinator Garden

Our students learned about the importance of biodiversity. While participating in their community garbage cleanup, the students were asked to look for diversity in the plant life throughout the community. Students noticed lots of grass, trees and shrubs but only a few flowers. Students wanted to provide a space to welcome butterflies and other pollinators. We turned one of our garden beds into a pollinator garden.

This Conservation Project was made possible by
Union 52 Benevolent Society.

St. Richard | KINDERGARTEN

Conservation Initiative: Planting a Garden

As a school, we have been focused on planting in various ways. In our school community, we see food scarcity, and it is important we show kids how easy it is to grow their food. We also have a pet bearded dragon and wanted to grow her fresh produce year-round. We have a hydroponic growing system, classroom growing lights, a greenhouse, and raised garden beds. Students have the opportunity to grow plants and seeds, nurture and transplant seedlings, weed and water gardens and finally harvest and enjoy their efforts.

This Conservation Project was made possible by
Union 52 Benevolent Society.

St. Richard | Grade 1

Conservation Initiative: Garbage Cleanup

All St. Richard students do an annual community day cleanup every spring. On Earth Day, we show that we are caretakers of this land and that we have pride in our community. Each class is given an area within the residential neighbourhoods surrounding our school. Students take garbage and recycling bags to collect and sort the trash they find. Students get excited to see their family and neighbours thanking them for their work in the community. Students take a lot of pride in keeping their community clean. In the following weeks, the students can often be seen picking up trash independently.

This Conservation Project was made possible by
Union 52 Benevolent Society.