Waste-free Lunches Rock

So Far This Year

Thanks to the hard work of committed students and staff, we are pleased to report that Clairlea is once again a Gold-level certified EcoSchool. Do you want to know something even more exciting? We are this close to being a Platinum-level EcoSchool. We don't need to have windmills and a green roof to do it either. We just need everyone to pitch in with more little acts of green that add up to a big difference. Please return for updates on all we are doing to make a difference in the environment. 

Below are some pictures from September and October at our wonderful school. 

 Above: October is Wastefree Lunch month. Students are encouraged more than ever before to bring in a litterless lunch. We are running a contest this month. Students who bring a litterless lunch or snack will have their names entered in a contest for an eco-prize. All other students who participated with have their name on our Eco Wall of Fame!

 Each month, two different classes pair up to empty blue bins. Here are two swell grade 2 students from Room 108. 

 Our fall Lights-Off Monitoring campaign is off to a cracking start. Caretaker Cheryl tracks classrooms who have remembered to close blinds, turn off lights and shut windows. Our terrific co-op student Jaime created this chart and has been giving more happy faces than X marks. Way to go!

 We are hoping that each class will sign up to contribute something this year to advance an environmental cause. We'll keep you posted on participants. 

 Above: the list of classrooms involved in our recycling program. Thank you all who are pitching in.

 Above: Students have been talking about the issue of plastic bags in Toronto. We are now adding eco-related news to our eco wall. 

 Our Wastefree lunch bulletin board outside the office. Our goal is to reduce plastic water bottles to zero by the end of the year and to raise awareness about the need to think before you toss recyclable materials in to the garbage can. 

 Below are some of the students who have been bringing in wastefree lunches. Bravo!

Ecological Literacy

Here are two wonderful examples of ecological literacy in action at Clairlea. First off, Ms. Vincent's Grade 7s are learning about plastic and the impact it has on the planet. These grade 7s have also contributed to the plastic water bottle fish display that was just installed outside the library. Scroll down for close-ups.

On a related note, Miss Lowen's Grade 2s and 3s have been tackling the issues surrounding deforestation, plastic bags, and water in the form of persuasive writing. Talk about future essay writers! Fantastic work. For more, swing by the bulletin boards of Ms. Vincent and Miss Lowen.

Plastic is Forever

Our Primary Green Team has been learning about the problems associated with plastic water bottles. Why buy water when we can bring a refillable bottle? Toronto tap water is clean and very safe to drink. Also below, you'll see displays from our "Getting to School the Greener Way" campaign. Congratulations to Ms. Vincent's Grade 7s who won. As well, you'll see pictures of our recycling depot at the front of the school and old shoes being transformed into works of art in Mme. Demeter's Art studio. Amazing!

Let's not forget our swell "Lights Off" data collector. 

Brickworks

Recently, our Grade 2s visited Evergreen Brickworks. There, they learned about groundwater, animal and plant species, and had a chance to hike around the grounds and build beaver lodges with mud and found natural materials. Good clean fun!