Last Friday, four of our Year 5 students – Layla, Levi, Antonio and Isabella, joined primary students from across the diocese for a day exploring ecological issues and challenges, sharing ideas for environmental action and being commissioned as Eco Ambassadors for our school. Accompanied by Mrs Briscoe and Mrs Welch they experienced ecological prayer and reflection, a keynote address from Plastic Oceans Australasia, networking across schools and saw presentations highlighting green actions from other schools. A component of the day was also the sharing of waste free lunches and eco friendly name badges. Students were made aware of some of the environmental challenges that we face and how we can respond. The problem of "fast fashion" was explored and the students had the opportunity to "re-purpose" an old t-shirt and created a carry bag to raise awareness. They also co-constructed a "Creation Prayer" that as a school we can use for specific environmental days. The culmination of the day was each school's sharing of their piece of the jigsaw puzzle for environmental action and the commissioning of the students as Eco Ambassadors for our school. 

Layla, Antonio, Levi, and Isabella: It was an exciting day meeting students from other schools and learning about the harm plastics can present to wildlife. We also learnt how we can make a difference and show care for our common home. A quote we will remember is “ You are never too small to make a difference”. Being presented with our Eco Ambassador badges made us very proud and we are eager to come up with initiatives to follow the Laudato Si message in our school.