Caring for the planet and caring for their school.
This, says principal Lisa Ketlow is a value instilled in all students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 at William Konkin Elementary School.
The value is put into practice on a daily basis when the students participate in the school's recycling program.
Empty aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles, juice boxes and milk cartons are collected at the end of every lunch break by the students and put into a special recycling container in their classroom. When the container fills up a student from the class is then chosen to bring their classroom recyclables to the four large green recycling bins placed near the office. The student then sorts the items into the correct bin, ready to be taken to a recycling centre.
According to Ketlow, the school has recycled thousands of items since beginning the program over three years ago.
"All grades from Kindergarten upwards are taught to recycle. It is an important school value and by recycling we are valuing the planet and valuing the school," Ketlow said.
She went on to say, "Recycling is part of the school's culture. Staff recycle too."
The money gained from recycling goes straight back into supporting the school and is used to purchase items for the school's 'soar store.'
The store is a school initiative that rewards student's positive behavior with the use of soar cards. The cards are given out by teachers when they observe a student behaving in a positive way.
Once a student has collected enough soar cards they can then 'spend' them at the soar store on items such as pens, pencils, water bottles, bags, hats, notebooks and key chains. All of the items have the school's logo on them.
"We have some excited recyclers in the school,' Ketlow said.
Shawntee, a Grade 3 student said to Lakes District 亚洲天堂 that she enjoys recycling.
Teij also in Grade 3 said he likes being chosen to bring the classroom recyclables down to the big green bins.
The recycling program at the school has grown so successful that a parent helper, Kelly Tizya, has come on board to help.
"On average the school receives about $50 every two weeks from recycling. The money is then invested back into the school .... it's a full circle recycling program," Ketlow added.
