‘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.

Clean Air Crew launch 

In September, 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. 

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

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.

Let's get growing!

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.

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!