Grosvenor-Wentworth Park School Grows Their Green Knowledge

The first thing you notice when you walk into Grosvenor-Wentworth Park is the commitment the school has already made to being green. You see the Energy Dashboard as soon as you walk through the door and you know that this is a school community that is very aware of their impact on the environment. Could this initiative be influenced by their proximity to Hemlock Ravine Park and a desire to protect the nature that surrounds the school?

The hallways have waste bins in numerous spots to ensure students are sorting and disposing of their waste properly, as well as water bottle refill stations spread throughout the school. You can see the commitment to reducing waste reflected in the number of reusable water bottles that sit on the desk of each student.

Green Schools was lucky enough to be invited for a full afternoon at Grosvenor-Wentworth Park recently. The grade six class was in the middle of the week of their provincial testing for math which meant they were happy to have a break to do something different in class. The students’ enthusiasm and contribution during the presentation showed how eager they were to be green. When we were discussing the different types of light bulbs and the problems posed by incandescents, one student commented, “Why don’t they just stop selling the bad ones?” It was a reminder of the insight with which children view problems and create solutions.

Rosanne Whyte’s class was enthusiastic about the Green Schools materials and loved the demonstrations of different lights and the difference in the amount energy used to do the same simple job. Everyone wanted to feel how hot the incandescent light bulb became after it was on for only a matter of seconds. All of that waste heat is surprising when you are trying to get light, not heat!

The grade four class received their presentation during the last period of the day. This meant we spent more time playing energy games and doing demonstrations, learning through interactive games and a measurement experiment. The students were a great audience, even after a long day of learning! Many of the students had previously received energy engagements or had heard of the Green Schools program. All classes were engaged, excited, and full of gratitude. These students know the importance of wasting less!

There were approximately 90 students from grades P-6 in the after-school Excel program, which made up a great group including a variety of ages and levels of knowledge about energy. Students that had received a presentation were eager to show off their new knowledge and actively participate to show others how to save energy! Every student at Grosvenor-Wentworth Park can be proud of all they are doing for the environment. This is a great school community and I hope to come back soon!

Amber McMunn
Engagement Officer, HRM