November 24, 2021
Students Encourage Others to Consider Their Environmental Impact
Hundreds of students learned about the environmental impacts of litter and the value of public service through the fall 2021 CPAWS Manitoba Student Litter Cleanup Challenge.
“We have to protect our Earth for people, animals, and plants,” said a student at Buchanan School.
We were inspired by the many ways that teachers empowered students to take action in their own homes and communities to reduce their environmental impacts.
Students at Issac Brock School turned the litter challenge into an opportunity to practise journalism. They wrote news articles about the cleanup, designed school posters to inform people how to help care for the Earth, and filmed and edited mini-documentaries.
“This was a great opportunity to take learning out of the classroom, and the students responded very well to it all,” said Jared Lehotsky, an Issac Brock teacher whose classes participated in the extended learning projects. “They were certainly frustrated by the amount of garbage they saw and demonstrated motivation to want to continue this kind of activity throughout the year.”
A total of 445 students from 21 classrooms, after-school programs, and student groups in Winnipeg and Steinbach participated in the Litter Cleanup Challenge.
“This was a great opportunity for the class to take care of the school and community in a way that tied beautifully into their ecosystem unit,” said Jenni Presber., a teacher at Bruce Middle School. “The kids had so much fun dressing up and cleaning the greenspace.”
After watching a video lesson by CPAWS Manitoba Environmental Educator Avery Kash, the students picked up litter in their neighbourhoods. Photo by Jenni Presber.
After watching a video lesson by CPAWS Manitoba Environmental Educator Avery Kash, the students picked up litter around their schoolyard, the surrounding area, community centres, and nearby parks. Some students even found broken glass, something they noted was dangerous for people and animals.
“Cleaning up the litter in our school neighbourhood is always something that I enjoy participating in with students,” said Alexa Nimchuk, a teacher at Calvin Christian School – Collegiate Campus. “It promotes community building amongst the students and amongst Transcona, as well as gives students a deeper respect for Earth, keeping and taking care of the environment.”
Realizing how much litter is out there inspired students to take action to reduce plastic use in their lives. One student said they would stop using single-use plastic water bottles at home, while another said they would encourage their dad not to sell plastic bags.
A big congratulations goes out to a Grade 2/3 science class at Buchanan School, a Grade 1 class at Southwood School, and a Grade 5/6 class at Isaac Brock School. They were randomly selected to win a classroom doughnut party.
We want to send a big thank you to the educators who inspired their students to participate in our Litter Cleanup Challenge. Together, we can make a difference!
A total of 445 students from 21 classrooms, after-school programs, and student groups in Winnipeg and Steinbach participated in the Litter Cleanup Challenge. Photo by Jared Lehotsky.
The Importance of Picking Up Litter
Students and teachers shared thoughts about their experience with the litter cleanup. Here’s what they had to say.
“We have to look after the Earth because the Earth looks after us.” — Participant from Splash Child Care Inc.
“The Earth will die if we don’t pick up litter!” — Kavish, Buchanan School
“Littering is bad for the environment. If we pick up litter, we make it a better place.” — Awor, Buchanan School
“People need to pick up their own litter.” — Participant from K.I.D.S. Inc. in École Sir William Osler
“When we picked up the litter, it was fun, it helped the environment, and it showed great teamwork.” — TJ, Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary and Middle School
“I feel that I saved so many ducks who live on this lake.” — Gurshan, CanAsia School
“I realized how much trash there is on the school grounds.” — Sean, Bruce Middle School
“I can’t believe there was that much trash in our school neighbourhood!” — Participant from Calvin Christian School – Collegiate Campus
Isaac Brock School students picked up litter near Omand’s Creek, the school area, and the local community. Photo by Jared Lehotsky.
Thanks again to these great educators!
- Nick Malandrakis, Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, Leadership Program (Grades 10–12)
- Richere O’Shea, Buchanan School, Grades 2 and 3 science
- Ashley McLennan, Robertson School, Grades 5 and 6
- Susan Gudmundson, Southwood School, Grade 1
- Angela Pereira, Lord Nelson School, Grade 3
- Amber Lewicki, Lord Nelson School, Grade 3
- Jordan Dearsley, 84th Winnipeg Girl Guides Grades 4–6, Our Shared Planet Badge
- Alexa Nimchuk, Calvin Christian School – Collegiate Campus, Grades 7 and 8, Student Life Groups (SLG)
- Brenda Still, K.I.D.S. Inc. in École Sir William Osler, School Age Child Care Program, Grades 2–5
- Jenni Presber, Bruce Middle School, Grade 7 science
- Janice Penner, Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary and Middle School, Katherine Friesen Campus, Grade 3 science
- Cheyenne Hunter, Fort Rogue Co-op Day Nursery, ongoing teaching of respect and responsibility
- Jared Lehotsky, Isaac Brock School, Grades 5 and 6 (all subjects)
- Manpreet Matharu, CanAsia School, Grade 3–5 science
- Jaimie Emberhawk, Splash Child Care Inc., Grades K–6