World Environment Day 2025 – Fighting Plastic Pollution Together!

At the Koinonia Federation, we are celebrating World Environment Day 2025 today, Thursday 5th June! This year’s theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution,” and our students are excited to learn how they can help care for God’s creation by reducing plastic waste.

Across our schools, children are taking part in fun and meaningful activities. In assemblies, we are learning about the damage plastic causes to our oceans, animals, and even our own health. With a special visit from a member of the Young Climate Warriors organisation. They will be visiting our year 5 and 6 pupils for a special meet and greet too! It’s shocking to discover how long plastic takes to break down—and how much of it ends up in the sea. But we know that we can make a difference.

In classrooms, pupils are designing posters to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Some students are creating art using recycled materials, showing how rubbish can be turned into something beautiful. Others are making pledges to reduce single-use plastics by using reusable water bottles, lunchboxes, and shopping bags. Please read on to find out all of the wonderful activities taking place!

At the Koinonia Federation, we believe that even small changes can lead to big results. By working together, we can beat plastic pollution and protect the Earth we all share.

Let’s keep making a difference—not just today, but every day!

This term, we have been delighted to host author, Mark Ballabon, who is an environmentalist, philosopher, and author of ‘Home.’ Mark delivered talks to our Key Stage 2 students about climate change, which is an underlying theme in his most recent book. He linked his assemblies to our Invention fair, in which children were tasked to create an invention within the theme of ‘adapt and change.’ We found his visit to be incredibly inspiring, especially our Eco-Warrior and Science Ambassador groups who had a specialist workshop with him.

Mark also enjoyed his visit across our schools and said “ …the way that all the children brightly engaged, responded, volunteered, sang and asked intelligent questions, does you all proud. In which all the students who volunteered to read - from Year 6 to Year 3 - demonstrated a natural confidence and got the huge round of applause that they deserved.”

Student voice:

Zoe-Grace, Year 5: “I like that his book was about global warming and climate change and it made me think about my invention and what I can do to make the world healthier.”

Ainsley, Year 6: “If we don’t do things and find ways to change how we use resources, we won’t be more efficient and non-renewable resources will be gone.”

Jeremy, Year 6: “We need to find more creative ways of using our resources because we are running out of plastic and oil and stuff. We are hurting the environment because we are wasting so much resources. “

Ms Battey

"Cut Your Carbon Month 2024" is an exciting initiative by Eco Schools, running throughout November, designed to inspire students, to take meaningful action against climate change. This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing carbon footprints.

Throughout the month, St Mary Magdalene will be involved in various activities such as energy-saving challenges, waste reduction projects, and sustainable travel initiatives. These hands-on experiences allow students to learn about the impact of everyday actions on the environment and to explore innovative solutions for minimizing carbon emissions.

Together, through small, manageable changes, we can make a significant impact on the environment, creating a greener, more sustainable world for future generations. #CutYourCarbonMonth2024

• Thursday 28th November 2024 - 9.15AM.

Peninsula Reception children have been joined by Ann, a Greenwich School Crossing Patrol Officer. Ann taught us the importance of taking care when crossing the road. We know the hazards to be aware of when near vehicles and we know how to stay safe on our bikes and scooters. Thank you, Ann!

Continuing their learning about the local area and minibeasts, our Reception children enjoyed a trip to the Greenwich Ecology Park! They had the experience of listening to, and identifying, different bird calls and even inspected pond life under the microscope. Towards the end of the trip, they had the opportunity to handle different minibeasts. Many students came over their nerves and built up the courage to handle animals such as worms, millipedes and newts!