At St. Leonard Elementary School, environmental action isn't just a lesson it's a way of life. And this year, that commitment has taken root in the most inspiring way. With a record-breaking 70 students in the Environment Club, it's clear that green is in!
The energy is so electric that the club has outgrown its usual space weekly meetings now rotate just to fit everyone in the library. From curious Grade 1s to passionate Grade 6s, students are leading the charge: speaking up, pitching in, and proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Whether planting, recycling, or dreaming up the next eco-initiative, these young changemakers are showing us all what it means to care for our planet together.
Taking Action: Hands-On Green Initiatives for Earth Month
This year, students have introduced various exciting green initiatives to make St. Leonard more environmentally friendly. Among the new additions are green bins for composting organic waste, light monitoring, and even a worm composting box all of which reflect the students' creativity, leadership, and commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
As part of the light monitoring initiative, the Environment Club members move through the school, checking for classrooms or offices where lights have been left on unnecessarily and encouraging peers and staff to switch off lights when not in use especially when natural sunlight is streaming in. It's a simple action that builds awareness about energy consumption and helps the entire school reduce its carbon footprint.
Meanwhile, the worm composting box has become a hands-on learning hub in the school. Students feed organic food scraps to the worms, watching the composting process in action as the worms break down waste into rich, usable soil. This living system has sparked curiosity and conversations in classrooms, and it's a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Month by turning everyday waste into something nourishing and valuable while reinforcing the value of reducing landfill contributions.
These fresh efforts build on St. Leonard's long-standing initiatives, such as battery recycling, community clean-ups, and black box recycling. These actions demonstrate the school's on-going dedication to sustainability and responsible waste management.
Creativity Meets Conservation
To mark Earth Month, students in the Environment Club created a vibrant list of eco-friendly activities, giving everyone in the school community a chance to get involved in fun and meaningful ways.
Some of the highlights include:
Take Me Outside' Day - Encouraging classes to spend time outdoors and reconnect with nature
Environment Club Read-Alouds - Club members read environmentally-themed books to younger students
Litterless Lunch Challenge - Promoting zero-waste lunches with reusable containers
In addition to these exciting activities, students have participated in various hands-on projects. These include building and installing bird nesting boxes, setting up bee boxes (structures that provide shelter for solitary bees crucial pollinators for many plants), and cultivating a thriving garden. Last year, the school also planted seven new trees on its grounds, helping to beautify the space while improving local biodiversity.
Students and staff also joined in national initiatives like WWF Sweater Day and Earth Hour, aligning their actions with broader efforts across Canada to promote energy conservation and climate awareness.
A Culture of Environmental Responsibility
What sets these efforts apart is that they are student-led. From composting food waste to encouraging their peers to recycle, Environment Club members are actively shaping a school culture rooted in environmental responsibility and teamwork. Their creativity and leadership inspire others across grades to think critically about their habits and join in making positive change.
While Earth Month provides a perfect spotlight for these initiatives, the commitment at St. Leonard lasts all year. With a focus on action, collaboration, and care for the natural world, students are growing green spaces and becoming leaders of a more sustainable future. #ocsbEarth
