Sustainability @ TPPS 

Grade 1 students have been learning about frogs in Sustainability. Frogs are one of our 'indicator species'. This means they can help us tell if our local ecosystem is healthy or not. If we can hear lots of frogs around, then we know the habitat is clean and safe for frogs and other species. We found out that a good way to help frogs is to make sure no harmful chemicals like detergents and pesticides go into the drains and waterways. It’s easy to remember: The drain is just for rain!

In Grade 2, our students have been learning about another category of animals - the reptiles! Reptiles have been enjoying their 15 minutes of fame lately, showing up at The Logies with Robert Irwin. In Sustainability, we study reptiles to learn that everything has a place within the food web, sometimes as predators, sometimes as prey, and always as an important link in the chain of ecosystem balance. The disappearance of one species can have a big effect on the whole system. 

Our Grade 3 and 4 students have been planning something amazing. They have been using companion planting charts and fact files to research and design a vegetable garden. Now comes the hard work of preparing the garden beds and putting in the plants. We’re hoping for some fine weather in the next two weeks so that we can get outside and start planting!