Stonar is delighted to announce that the school has been awarded official Eco Schools Status. The school’s Eco Committee, led by Year 6 teacher Mrs Justine Skinner, has been the driving force in encouraging the whole Stonar community to make sustainable changes. The committee, made up of pupils across different year groups, has been role models to the wider community, displaying leadership skills and embodying the Stonar notion of shaping the world.
“We are thrilled with this award and I am so proud of what the Eco Committee has achieved, with the help and support of our whole school community,” said Mrs Skinner. “It has been great to see the efforts being made by everyone, both in and out of school. We are proud of our Eco School status, and will work hard to maintain this and live up to our motto Stonar School: Standing together to shape the world, sustainably.”
The Eco Committee has introduced various ideas and campaigns to the school, having participated in several WWF events, a Global Climate Strike and a ‘switch off campaign’ to encourage the whole school body to reduce energy consumption by switching off unnecessary lights. Other campaigns introduced include Plastic Free Day Challenge, Meat Free Challenge and Make the Switch.
The results of the Eco Committee’s actions have included increased awareness of global issues and of the climate emergency throughout the whole school. It has given leadership opportunities for members of the Eco Committee, for example writing articles for the weekly bulletins, leading and organising campaigns and public speaking during assemblies.
“Being on the Eco Committee is a great way of making a positive change on our school community,” added Head Girl Chiara. “The green flag award is recognition of all the hard work the committee has done this year, and hopefully it will inspire many other pupils in the school to continue the good work that has been started.”
Commenting on the award, Headmaster Mr Way said, “Sustainability and eco-awareness are very important to us at Stonar. We are surrounded by beautiful grounds, which remind us every day how vital it is to protect our planet.
“The formation of a dedicated Eco-Committee allowed very determined pupils to strive for a better and more sustainable learning environment. Their obvious passion inspired the whole school and I was extremely proud when we achieved our Bronze Award in less than a year of signing to become an Eco School. Even a pandemic could not stop us from achieving our goals and the official award of becoming an Eco School means so much to all the pupils and staff.”