‘Laudato Si’, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, invites us to protect God's creation for future generations. It asks us to embrace lifestyle changes for our own good as well as to take care of people who are poor and are more vulnerable. Pope Francis calls for all people of the world to take swift and unified global action. 

You can find out more here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOgF2Kgel6k

Why do we have a Laudato Si' group?

-To ensure our school is eco-friendly and to prepare children to live with reflection of the environment

-To make sure each class has a platform to voice their opinions

-To discuss and raise issues related to the environment

What happens in the meetings?

We begin each year by completing an environmental review to find out our schools successes and areas for improvement. We then use this to create an action plan for the upcoming year. Throughout the year each Eco Councillor meets with their class to discuss ideas about changes and improvements to the school. The issues are then raised in meetings and Laudato Si' discuss how to move forward with these ideas. 

At the beginning of each meeting, we pray together.

Visit from Energy Engineer Mark Maguire

In September 2025, we were lucky enough to have a visit from Mark Maguire from Lancashire County Council.  He explained that his job is an “Energy Engineer” who goes around schools and colleges advising them on how to reduce their energy output.   

We discussed the different types of light we can use in our classrooms and corridors and as a group and we were very much for the use of natural light where possible. Mark showed us a light reading app and explained that in a corridor, we need 300lux.  He also showed us the solar panel meter box, which was fascinating.  We are hoping to have an app soon which will show us the amount of energy generated by the solar panels on our roof. 

Mark's visit prompted the ambassadors to create stickers and signs to be displayed around school reminding people to switch lights off wherever possible.  They also stuck stickers on the remotes of the teacher's interactive screens too.  Each class has been asked to have an energy monitor whose role it is to turn off lights when they are not required. 

2023-2024

September 2023 - Clean Air Crew launch

In September 2024, three of our Y5/6 representatives accompanied Miss Owens to the Civic Centre for the launch of the clean air crew. They took part in an interactive quiz, made smoothies using a bike, saw electric vehicles, met exhibitors promoting solar panels and other sustainable ideas. We were fortunate enough to have a chat with the Mayor of South Ribble about our mission and received recycled pencils, seeds, bulbs and tote bags. 

November 2023 - Fundraiser for bird food

With the development of the Peace Garden, the group were keen to attract more wildlife to our space.  As some birdboxes had been erected within the grounds, we sought a way to fund the food for them.  Miss Harvey kindly gifted us with some blank wooden keyrings.  For 50p, children could decorate them with glittery pens and helped us raised £48.50! Miss Owens then carefully selected bird food that was suitable for use in the school grounds.

Visit from Jo Beaman 12th December 2023

Some of the Laudato Si' team met with Jo Beaman who is the Climate Emergency Engagement Officer for South Ribble Borough Council. She met with us to discuss our interest in composting. The children asked excellent questions and were given brilliant advice regarding the subject.

Email from Jo Beaman (Climate engagement officer) after her visit

Dear Miss Owens and the Laudato Si’ group,

There are a few things that I didn’t mention that may be of use.

Tree planting – Lucy asked how many trees I personally had planted and I gave her part of an answer but not the whole picture.  In fact, in South Ribble since 2019 we have planted around 139,000 trees in our parks and open spaces, in school grounds, with businesses and landowners and given over 27,000 trees away to residents to plant in their own gardens.  We have been tasked by Councillors to plant more (55,000) trees this winter and next winter but have run out of space to put them on our land now.  So, if school would like some free trees then please let me know.  I am happy to come along and work with the children and show them how to plant trees (if they don’t already know!).   I have also attached a poster for our resident giveaways this winter that can be shared with parents.   More details on our website - https://www.southribble.gov.uk/treegiveaways

Have you come across Kids Against Plastic https://www.kidsagainstplastic.co.uk/ ??  This was set up by two young British school girls who wanted to do something to reduce the amount of plastic litter in their area.  They are now still only 18 and 20 and I have seen them present their work as part of a United Nations climate change webinar!!  The website is full of ideas and resources for teachers and Eco Councils for tackling waste in school and the local community.  Nothing on food waste yet, but it is due next year …. 

As I said, we want to hold another Climate themed event for schools next September and make it bigger and better than this years!  Any ideas on what you would like to see there or a theme for the event would be gratefully received. 

If I can help with anything, let me know and I will try and do my best. 

 Keep dreaming big!!! 

Kind regards,

Jo Beaman
Climate Emergency Engagement Officer

Let's get growing! 17th January 2024

Accompanied by Miss Harvey, a small group of our Laudato Si' members joined 20 other schools at an event which aimed to get schools growing plants, trees and vegetables. They learnt about bees, fuchsia plants, orchards, and many more interesting things. We had chance to plant with and learn from lots of different people. We even tasted honey! We came away with free plants, seeds, compost and information to help in our Peace garden.

Recycling at home

The group were interested to know the extent to which our families recycle at home and if there was anything we could do to promote recycling.  A questionnaire was sent to families and staff via the School Story on ClassDojo. The results were pleasing showing that many are using local initiatives such as recycling paper,cardboard, plastic and glass as part of the Council's recycling scheme. As many people did not know recycling of aersols and textiles was available, the group did some research and signposted parents to these websites: 

TEXTILES: https://www.recyclenow.com/recycle-an-item/clothing-textiles

RECYCLING: https://www.southribble.gov.uk/article/1288/Bin-collection-days

Book Swap

To coincide with World Book Day, the Laudato Si' team were keen to recycle read books.  The idea was simple, bring a book, take a book. Taking place over two lunchtimes, the stall was popular with pupils of all ages. The team are looking to hold future book swaps so watch this space!

Laudato Si' around school