ECO-Skola 2007

St. Joan Antide and Eco-School Programme. The Eco-School programme could be defined as a simple but comprehensive and inclusive approach towards environmental education. Eco-Schools are represented in almost all European Union member states, together with various other countries around the world. We are proud that we are part of this international project since we can also make a difference by giving our share!

Throughout the scholastic year 2006 - 2007 we have launched this project in Saint Joan Antide Primary School! The Eco-School council was formed at the

beginning of this scholastic year. Ms. Louise was chosen as the coordinator of this project whilst the other members are students selected by election. The Eco-School Council Members are: Leanne Berry & Martina Vella Yr.3; Faye Theuma & Miriana Mifsud Yr.4; Janelle Borg & Maria Camilleri Yr.5; Nicole Galea & Janice Baldacchino Yr. 6.

The School Wardens are Hannah Bugeja & Kirsty Mifsud Yr. 3; Casey Spagnol & Amy Bonnici Yr. 4; Christabel Coleiro & Chelsea Beerman Yr. 5; Kim Mizzi & Cherise Camilleri Yr. 6.

The student-members of the eco-school council have taken this initiative very seriously and they enjoy dedicating some of their free time to work hard in order to safeguard and improve the surrounding environment.

Throughout this year our students wanted to show that they too care about the well-being of our planet! Frequent meetings and discussions were held among the Eco-School council members. These meetings were crucial since they were the 'starting point' for some important changes and decisions.

During this year:

• Student members of Eco-School council designed and produced educational material for the younger classes - such as the posters and colouring pages of 'Gharghar' and 'Widnet il-Bahar'.
• Students organised talks and short plays on waste separation and other ecological issues to convey 'environmental friendly' messages to other children.
• Various competitions were organised to challenge the students' creativity and motivate them to take care of their surroundings. For instance; original drawings of trees made by children in grades 1 to 6 were displayed on the school's notice boards. Children were also encouraged to reuse materials and create useful objects or ornaments out of what some of us usually consider as 'waste'!
• Eco-Wardens were elected and entrusted with the responsibility to help maintain the school environment clean. Additionally, they are also to see that no electricity or water are to be wasted by other students.
• Each and every student in grades 1 to 6 was given a cloth bag in order to reduce the use of plastic bags and thus produce less plastic waste. These cloth bags were sponsored by J.B. Stores.