Hundreds of Kindergarten - Grade 5 students at Oakwood Public School learned what it means to be environmental leaders set against the backdrop of the recent Earth Day.
The Oakville school held its annual community clean-up in late April, bringing together students, staff, parents and community members to work collaboratively toward a cleaner and healthier environment. The event involved various activities such as picking up litter, planting, cleaning up brush, recycling and promoting environmental awareness.
“We participate in this event to promote responsibility and instill a sense of responsibility and civic duty among students by teaching them the value of taking care of their surroundings,” says Oakwood PS teacher Beth Reeves-Miclash. “The event also serves as an educational opportunity for students to learn about environmental stewardship, the importance of taking care of the planet and the impact of their actions on the environment. Lastly, celebrating Earth Day aligns with the global Earth Day celebration, highlighting Oakwood Public School's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.”
Reeves-Miclash says she hopes students learned that advocating for environmental protection goes beyond picking up trash but about how we can live on this planet long-term in a sustainable way.
“We continue to discuss the importance of environmental stewardship through understanding that we need to take care of the environment and be responsible stewards of the Earth's resources,” she says. “Through community engagement, students recognized the value of working together with peers, teachers, parents and community members to achieve a common goal and make a positive impact. With creating awareness, our hope is that all students can reflect on becoming more aware of the impact of human activities on the environment and learn ways to reduce pollution and promote sustainability in their daily lives."
Stella, in Grade 3, says helping cleaning up her school property taught her about working as a team.
"With everyone helping together, we cleaned up lots of garbage and made the school look so beautiful."
Sonika, in Grade 2, says cleaning and protecting the environment requires leadership.
"We need to be protectors of the Earth because if we don't, animals will have nowhere to live.”
Reeves-Miclash says the community clean-up helps bring to life the
Halton District School Board's 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan in several ways, especially the Environmental Leadership and Mental Health & Well-Being areas of focus.
“At Oakwood PS, we recognize that Earth Day provides a platform to reinforce environmental education initiatives outlined in the Multi-Year Plan,” she says. “It offers opportunities for students to learn about sustainability, conservation and eco-friendly practices. Also, a clean and healthy environment contributes to the well-being of students, staff and the community, which is in line with the Multi-Year Plan's focus on promoting wellness and a positive school environment.”
