Dear Parents,
We are two weeks into the new half term and I am relieved that covid infection has not reappeared anywhere in the school. The children are mixing in assemblies, clubs and the playground, so school life feels reassuringly normal.
We are delighted that those activities we were forced to drop during the height of the pandemic, have been reinstated. The children are about to choose class reps for the School Council and the Eco-committee and I look forward to hearing their views on school life and their suggestions for improvements. We always listen and will let you know about any reasonable changes they suggest.
Over the past three years we have made many changes to the way in which we operate to become 'greener'. Every decision we make as a school has an eco-impact and we are doing our best to change our practice. These are the things we do, so I hope you find the following list interesting:
* ICT switch off policy exists and is followed
* paper, card, plastic and can recycling is available in each classroom/staffroom
* Paper recycling bins are available alongside each photocopier for use as scrap paper for the classrooms/playground
* Ink cartridge recycling is available
* The school has implemented a policy banning the purchase of single use plastic stationery
* We've implemented a policy banning single use plastic lamination
* We've reduced the amount of printer paper purchased in the prior year
* Arranged with suppliers to deliver items in reusable containers (such as The Little Lunch Company)
* We only purchases fair trade tea & coffee
* Energy efficient lighting installed on site
* Draught strips on windows and doors
* we have a policy on only buying energy efficient electric goods, including office machinery, kitchen equipment, computers, displays and servers
* ICT audit completed to ensure power management features are enabled
* Secure bike storage is provided
* The school bans the purchase of single use plastics in art
* Policy banning crisps, sweets and fizzy drinks in school
* Dedicated training session for school pupils on what can be recycled
* Hold a bike MOT day with local cycle shops to service bikes and raise awareness of bike maintenance (dates to follow)
The children enjoy junk modelling in the playground. If you have any high quality recycled materials, please send them into school for the children to use. There are recycling initiatives in the pipeline, such as the recycling of glasses (spectacles) for redistribution in other countries and recycling of storybooks through the London Children's Book Project (in January). We will keep you updated and will ask for your support.
In the meantime, have a relaxing and happy weekend.
Warm wishes,
Kate