Sustainable SHOM The Eco Committee The Eco Committee is a group within our school that leads the Eco-Schools program, a global initiative aimed at encouraging young people to engage with environmental and sustainability issues. The committee includes students, teachers & school staff. Each Form group as an Eco Representative on the Committee. These Eco Reps attend our meetings and feedback to their forms. At the start of the academic year, Bishop Alan Williams commissioned our Eco Committee members Key Functions and Responsibilities of our Committee 1. Leadership and Coordination: ● The Eco Committee provides leadership and coordinates activities related to environmental education and sustainability. ● They oversee the implementation of the Eco-Schools program within the school. 2. Environmental Review: ● Conducts an environmental review or audit to assess the school's current environmental performance and practices. ● Identifies areas where the school can improve its environmental impact. 3. Action Planning: ● Develops an action plan based on the findings of the environmental review. ● Sets achievable goals and outlines specific actions to address key environmental issues. 4. Implementation: ● Organises and carries out various projects and initiatives to improve the school's environmental footprint. ● These can include recycling programs, energy conservation measures, waste reduction campaigns, and biodiversity projects. 5. Monitoring and Evaluation: ● Regularly monitors progress towards the goals set in the action plan. ● Evaluates the effectiveness of implemented actions and makes necessary adjustments. 6. Awareness and Education: ● Raises awareness about environmental issues among the school community. ● Educates students and staff about sustainable practices and encourages their involvement. 7. Reporting and Communication: ● Keeps the school community informed about the committee's activities and progress. ● May present reports to the school administration, local community, and other stakeholders.
Benefits of the Eco Committee ● Student Empowerment: Encourages students to take responsibility and develop leadership skills. ● Educational Value: Integrates practical environmental education into the school curriculum. ● Community Engagement: Fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students, staff, parents, and the local community. ● Sustainable Practices: Promotes sustainable practices that can lead to cost savings and a healthier environment. By actively involving various stakeholders in the school community, the Eco Committee plays a crucial role in driving the Eco-Schools program and fostering a culture of sustainability within our School and beyond. Sustainable SHOM - Instagram Our committee post regularly about the work they carry out via their Instagram @sustainableSHOM. Here are a few of our recent Stories:
We respect our Planet We are respectful our environment We nurture our plants & trees in our school grounds We take individual responsibility for keeping our school litter free We ensure the animals we share our spaces with are cared for We understand that we share the environment with everyone & everything We are responsible consumers We care for the people, plants & animals in our community We actively take care of our plants through watering We understand that the Pope teaches us that we have a responsibility as stewards of the earth We provide a safe and secure habitat for the animals within our school grounds We help maintain biodiversity through protecting our school wildlife We care for the people, plants & animals beyond our community We understand that people beyond our school are impacted by climate change We raise awareness and funds for good causes to help bring ‘life to the full’ to others We understand we are not superior to the rest of God’s creations We are ready to learn We want to find out more about our planet We are curious and ask questions about our environment We reflect on the environmental impact our choices can have We listen to others to help us understand more about our planet We actively seek opportunities to teach others about sustainability We look to teach others about the environment We challenge poor choices made for the planet and use the Eco committee to share best practices We understand we are all stewards of the planet and have a responsibility to act We know we are called to action by Pope Francis to act for the Climate We are aware of the choices we make and their impact on other individuals & communities We consider the impact on others beyond our school, community or country We acknowledge our carbon footprint and actively try to reduce it We understand that the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet We make good choices for our Planet We take pride in our school environment and everyone who shares it We do not litter and take responsibility for other people's litter We do not walk on or damage the trees and plants We do not waste water or materials We respect school property to help it last as long as possible We reduce our impact on the planet wherever possible We turn off lights when we leave a room We turn off taps to reduce water waste We close windows and doors to reduce fuel consumption We reuse or recycle where we can We avoid over-consumption & encourage others to do the same We use public transport or car share to commute to school when possible We encourage others to make good choices We care about environment beyond our school walls We continue to make sustainable choices in our everyday lives We encourage others to make sustainable choices We reuse, recycle or donate items we no longer need or want We understand we are called to safeguard the life and dignity of all creatures in an environment We make sustainable choices in the food we buy and consume We consider the food choices we make and their impact on the planet We aim to consume food that is seasonal & locally produced We reduce our food waste wherever possible We think about the packaging used in the food products we purchase We have refillable bottles to reduce our plastic waste We avoid single use plastic in the food we bring to school ECO Code Our Catholic Mission and School Code of Conduct are at the core of our Eco Code. By adhering to the three strands of respecting our planet, being ready to learn and make good choices for our Planet, we are enabling not only ourselves, but the whole school community to fulfil our school motto of Ut Vitam Habeant, ensuring that all the Sacred Heart of Mary family and beyond can live life to the fullest and access all opportunities available.
The Vatican released the new Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis, Laudate Deum, to all people of good will on the climate crisis, on 4 October 2023. It is a document intended to follow up on his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home. What are the key messages of Laudate Deum? Laudate Deum is an urgent call to tackle the climate crisis, recognising that time is running out. And irreversible damage has already been done. In this letter Pope Francis states that the climate crisis is real and cannot be denied. It is caused by human activity. The Eco Committee are keeping the Pope’s message at the heart of our decisions and actions to help our planet. Pope Francis - Laudate Deum