Vision

Richmond Green Secondary School was awarded an Action Project grant with the goal of enriching our school environment through hands-on environmental education and promoting sustainability practices. With the funds provided, we purchased a variety of herbs, pots, and high-quality soil to create a vibrant indoor gardening project that would engage our school community and provide meaningful learning experiences.

Action

This initiative was primarily implemented through our EcoTeam club, which welcomed enthusiastic students from all grades to participate actively in transplanting seedlings, nurturing the plants, and maintaining the indoor garden throughout the school year. The project was carefully designed not only to teach practical gardening skills but also to deepen students’ understanding of sustainability, plant biology, and environmental stewardship.

An exciting extension of this project was the integration of the fresh herbs grown indoors into our Food and Nutrition classes. Students utilized these herbs in their food labs and cooking activities, giving them the unique opportunity to apply their classroom learning with fresh, organically grown ingredients with no pesticides. This hands-on approach enhanced the students’ appreciation of where their food comes from and encouraged healthier eating habits by connecting them directly with the source of their ingredients.

In addition to the indoor gardening, remaining funds from the grant were thoughtfully used to purchase perennial plants for our school’s outdoor EcoGarden. Members of the EcoTeam enthusiastically contributed to this aspect by participating in weeding activities and assisting with the planting of these perennials in the outdoor space. This expanded the project’s impact, fostering a stronger connection between students and the natural environment beyond the classroom walls.

Reflection & Celebration

The presence of greenery within classrooms and shared spaces has had a profoundly positive effect on the school atmosphere. Many students and staff members have reflected that the live plants improved their mood, reduced feelings of stress, and increased their motivation and focus during learning and working activities. The ambience of the classrooms was also enriched with the presence of the plants. The students were also in charge of watering, visiting and caring for the plants. These spaces have become positive and stress-free environments for the students’ learning. The natural elements created a more inviting, calming, and nature-connected environment, which positively influenced the overall well-being of our school community.

Beyond the direct educational benefits, this project sparked heightened environmental awareness and a greater sense of community spirit at Richmond Green Secondary School. Students took pride in caring for their school space and embraced sustainable practices, many of which extended into their homes and daily lives. The project demonstrated how small, thoughtful actions can have far-reaching impacts on fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

Overall, the Action Project successfully combined environmental education, student wellness, and community engagement. It enriched our school environment, provided meaningful experiential learning opportunities, and promoted sustainability in a way that engaged students, staff, and the broader school community alike. Richmond Green Secondary School looks forward to continuing and expanding these initiatives in future years.