Fall has been a busy time for the HNMCS Eco Team. Although we have not been able to physically meet as a team, our virtual meetings have always been filled with excitement, sustainability ideas, environmental plans, and a lot of laughs.

September, as always, is our yearly planning month and the Eco Team has come up with a flexible plan, with a lot of environmentally conscious initiatives and campaigns. The Eco Team Executive Council elections were also held in September, and students from Grades 5 to 12 ran for various positions on council. Congratulations to all the grade reps, Secretary, Vice President and President.

One of the plans that the team came up with was for HNMCS to once again participate in the year-long Ontario Battery Recycling Challenge. This a whole school campaign that would not be possible without the community coming together and making sure all batteries are recycled safely. House points will be granted on an ongoing basis. This drive ends in April 2021 so keep those batteries coming.

During October the Eco Team also organised an Eco Halloween Kahoot for Middle School students, and the yearly Yard Cleanup, which took place over two days. Students gave generously of their time to be active participants in this eco initiative.

November is always a busy month for the Eco Team, and this year was no different. HNMCS students and staff came together and donated bags of gently used clothing and textiles to benefit Diabetes Canada. Thank you to everyone who helped with this.

On November 19, Andrea Rowe, Director of Sustainability from the Halton Environmental Network joined us for a day of planting. Nine volunteers from Ms. Prillo’s Grade 7 class were given the opportunity to help plant various pollinator and native species plants. Our Sweet November Candy Jar Fundraiser helps us buy more pollinator and native species plants for the outdoor garden and we are thankful to everyone who participated. Our lucky winners were Carolynn L. in Grade 7, Manuela A. in Grade 8 and Laila N. in Grade 9. Ms. Rowe will be back in the spring for more planting.

Although December is a short month, the Eco Team worked on the #Kids2030 challenge where we all learned about the lifespan of plastics. Students have been busy collecting data on the plastic products in their home, school and community, inspecting where this plastic goes, and how it builds up over time. Once we have seen the impact that plastic has on the environment, we will work on what can we do as individuals to reduce it, and on how can we inspire others to prevent plastic pollution.

Our last team meeting was filled with fun, laughter and Christmas Eco Crafting. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.