Sustainability

Last week, our talented Year One students took to the stage at assembly to share their incredible persuasive writing pieces. With passion, creativity, and confidence, they read their thoughtful letters urging us all to take better care of our school and local environment. Their focus? The growing problem of rubbish at Solway, especially plastic waste. Here is an amazing example.   

So now what? 

In support of the Year Ones’ message, we are encouraging all students, families, and staff to take part in Plastic Free July, a global movement to reduce single-use plastic waste. We must evaluate how we can make simple changes, and this is a great opportunity to show students that their voice matters. Here is some more information:

Plastic Free July

Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down. It pollutes our oceans, parks, and streets. Wildlife can mistake it for food, with deadly consequences. Reducing plastic helps us take better care of the planet we call home. https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/

Here are some easy ways to reduce your plastic use this July:

● Bring a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled drinks.

● Pack lunches in containers or beeswax wraps instead of cling film.

●Say no to plastic straws and cutlery, bring your own!

● Choose snacks with less packaging or buy in bulk.

● Help with a rubbish clean-up at your local park or beach.

Keep a reusable shopping bag in your backpack or car

We are so proud of our Year One students for reminding us that small voices can make a big difference. Let’s honour their hard work and take real steps toward a cleaner, greener Solway.

Good News Story:

Hundreds of white rhinos have been relocated from South Africa to Rwanda and Uganda, expanding the species’ range and strengthening long-term conservation efforts. 70 rhinos now call Rwanda's Akagera National Park home after completing a 3,400 km journey by road and Boeing 747 (!) and 48 rhinos now roam Uganda’s Ziwa Ranch, following a local extinction back in the 1980s. (Fix the News)

Students in Grades 3 and 4 have been deeply engaged in researching endangered species and investigating the causes behind their decline. Throughout their studies, they have explored various factors threatening these animals, such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and poaching. Using their time wisely, the students have worked collaboratively to find meaningful solutions to help protect and care for endangered species. 

To raise awareness, they have created thoughtful campaigns aimed at educating others about the importance of conservation and how everyone can contribute to saving these animals. These campaigns include posters, presentations, and even videos that highlight key messages about protecting wildlife.

In addition to their research and campaigns, the students have expressed their passion and concern through poetry. By writing heartfelt poems, they have highlighted the urgent need to protect endangered species and inspired others to take action. Their creative work beautifully combines facts with emotion, making the message even more powerful.

Overall, the 3/4 students have demonstrated commitment and creativity in learning about endangered species and advocating for their preservation, showing that even young voices can make a big difference in caring for our planet’s wildlife.

Brooke Danaher

Sustainability Coordinator