MICA (P) 129/02/2011 Issue No. 2/2011 - MINDS

FGS
RECYCLING
OUTREACH PROGRAM
Text by: Vivekanandan, Teacher
Photos by: Jacob Kwek Thiam Chye, Teacher
Fernvale Gardens School (FGS) is proud to receive a silver
medal on 19 February 2011 for the Recycling Outreach
Programme, supported by National Environment
Agency. This follows the Sustained Achievement Award for
the years following 2008, 2009 and 2010. The programme
requires schools to reach out to their school and neighbouring
community for the purpose of raising awareness on recycling.
► Recycling corner complete with recycling bins and a board updated
with photographs of the school ROP recent programs, reports of events
and decorated with various NEA messages/slogans to make it more
attractive
Some of the activities tied to the recycling programme in FGS
included celebrating Earth Day (and Earth Hour), incorporating
the importance of recycling and pollution in the curriculum,
installing recycling bins in every classroom, and many other
conservation initiatives.
Earth Hour was celebrated during a specific assembly where
the message of climate change was conveyed to the students
and their families. Following that, FGS Earth Day Celebration
was held on 23 April 2010. There were also talks and
presentations on pollution, conservation, animal welfare and
even quizzes. Other activities included lively performances by
► Mr Dan receiving the award on the school’s behalf
our pupils and interactive games. The games were strategic in
nature; students had to sort different materials into the correct
recycling bins.
The importance of conservation also manifested itself in other
initiatives. Firstly, Art and Craft lessons were conducted using
recyclable materials such as toilet paper rolls, cardboard,
foam boxes, egg cartons and paper plates. Pupils used these
materials to make cards, picture frames and letter holders. An
interactive Recycling Corner board was set up and the board
was updated with photographs of FGS’ recent Recycling
Outreach Programmes (ROP) and slogans on conservation.
FGS also created a Pledge Tree where pledges to be more
‘green’ were written on “leaves” by staff at the beginning of
the year and pasted on the Pledge Tree. Rain water was also
collected for the purpose of watering the plants around the
school. To reduce heat emission, more plants were placed
around the school premises. Posters on recycling were also
displayed in the staff room and around the school as a reminder
on the importance of conservation.
FGS staff also did their part by pledging to use paper wisely
at the photocopier. Teachers were encouraged to print on both
sides of the paper when preparing worksheets for students.
FGS is fortunate that the ROP Project is fully supported by the
Principal and Vice-Principal as well as the unrelenting efforts
of its entire staff.
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