When curiosity meets leadership, change is in action. The Grade 5 classes at Cobblestone Elementary School proved this when their social studies inquiry landed on the desk of County of Brant Mayor, David Bailey.
In the Government of Ontario unit, students learn about the different levels of government, their responsibilities and the issues of each. The students took a special interest in global warming and climate change, according to teacher Kristin Larion-Dukes. The class prepared a "report card" on the County's snow removal process. This led to another conversation of local significance the opportunity for a green bin program, recently adopted in the nearby City of Brantford.
Grade 5s at Cobblestone Elementary School met with County of Brant Mayor, David Bailey.
"We have students with family and friends living in Brantford, who recently began participating in the green bin program. Students wondered why our county, which is growing rapidly in population, does not have one," explained Larion-Dukes. "They were curious about the requirements for us to participate in this program."
Impressed by their inquisition, Larion-Dukes and fellow grade 5 educator Gerry Foreman encouraged students to use their voice by writing letters to the Mayor's office. In the coming weeks, Mayor Bailey, Andrea Bazzard, Director of Environmental Services, and Halie Gilmore, Project Manager of Corporate Strategy, paid them a personal visit on Earth Day to thank the students for being stewards of change.
"Thank you to the grade 5s for sending thoughtful letters about the importance of composting. It was a pleasure to speak with such engaged and insightful young citizens about green bins, climate change and how small actions can make a big difference. Your curiosity, passion and ideas give me great hope for the future!" said Mayor Bailey.
In their visit, Mayor Bailey shared a presentation to help answer the students' questions and confirmed that a green bin plan was in the works. In the meantime, the County donated two green bins to the school to kickstart their composting efforts, and they plan to share the letters with County stakeholders and councillors.
Charlie, a student in Mr. Foreman's class, spoke to the importance of feeling heard. "It's awesome that Mayor Bailey responded to our letters. Knowing that the Mayor would take the time out of his day to talk to us is very cool! It shows that even if you're in grade 5, you still have a voice."
Honouring student perspectives is a key way Grand Erie builds a culture of learning, well-being and belonging. Across Grand Erie, students and staff have worked on initiatives that further that mission, including the recent Eco Symposium and Earth Week events.
