Committee Meeting Minutes - April

In this meeting, Andrew RT Davies, Welsh Assembly Member, joined the Eco-Committee to learn more about the work of Eco-schools at Cowbridge Comprehensive. The committee also got the chance to have any questions they had about the work the Assembly does for environment answered by Mr. Davies. See the 'Eco-Committee welcomes AM' article to read more, and to view a video clip of the meeting. Feedback was also given regarding the staff car-sharing survey, with many positive and encouraging results. The year 8 Eco-Committee representatives reported back after their meeting with the caretaker concerning the school's water fountains: 'Where's my Water?'.

The full minutes from the Eco Committee meeting, held on the 25th April, are available in the 'Eco-Committee Updates' tab at the top of the page.

Eco-Committee welcomes AM

Welsh Assembly Member, Andrew RT Davies, visited the school today to spend time learning about the work of the Eco-Committee.

He was welcomed to the Eco-Committee's monthly meeting and took part in the discussions. He also answered a number of insightful questions from the pupils about what the Welsh Assembly is doing about the environment.

He said that the pupils had shown a detailed knowledge of the subject and had demonstrated a commitment and a determination to make changes.

To watch a video of some of the issues discussed at the meeting click here.

 

 

Waste not Want not...



With the aim of encouraging pupils to put their waste in the correct bins, new posters have been designed and are appearing around the school.

 

They are already in the school canteen, clearly labelling the food waste bins, the mixed recycling bins and the general rubbish bin which is for any waste that can't be recycled.

 

There are paper recycling bins in every classroom too, as well as general recycling bins in communal areas and computer areas around the school.

 

The Eco-Committee and Eco-Warriors will be monitoring use of the bins and will report on the success of the new posters to the caretakers.

 

 

Where's my Water?

from Angharad Thomas and Selina Radcliffe

On Thursday 18th April we met Mr Walters and we said that there are only three water fountains working at the school because most of them were vandalised. Mr Walters explained that the water fountains where there hasn't been any supervision were the ones which were vandalised. Each time they are broken it costs £130 for a new part. Also, the water fountain on the ground floor of A Block was damaged and leaked water which caused the flooring to rise.

Mr Walters suggested that one of the water fountains could be replaced with a chilled water dispenser like the one in the canteen. This would be better than a water fountain because the water would be filtered and chilled. Also, it would be easier to use than the water fountains to re-fill bottles.

So we thought that by reception and the toilets was a good place to put one because there are staff in reception all the time so it wouldn't be vandalised. Mr Walters also said that by reception would be a good place because we would need to get electricity to the chilled water dispenser because it’s run off electricity. This is why we couldn't put it down by P.E. or in any other block. He said that it should be ready to use after Whitsun half term.

Note:
Angharad Thomas and Selina Radcliffe are the year 8 representatives on the Eco-Committee.

Year 9 Eco-Schools Assembly

Pupils from year 9 presented an assembly this morning to their year group updating them on what the Eco-Committee has been doing and letting them know what they can do to play their part.

Both the year 9 Eco-Committee members, Martha Holder and Shaun Skeet, and the form Eco-Warriors explained that this year we are aiming for the platinum award, the highest accolade possible. But in order for the school to gain the platinum award everybody needs to follow the school's Eco-Code - 'Don't be a Waster, be a Saver!'. We need to conserve energy, not waste water and travel using less carbon-intensive methods.

To view the Prezi presentation used at the assembly click on the picture below.

 

Year 8 Eco-Schools Assembly

Pupils from year 8 presented an assembly this morning to their year group updating them on what the Eco-Committee has been doing and letting them know what they can do to play their part.

Both the year 8 Eco-Committee members, Selina Radcliffe and Angharad Thomas, and the form Eco-Warriors explained that this year we are aiming for the platinum award, the highest accolade possible. But in order for the school to gain the platinum award everybody needs to follow the school's Eco-Code - 'Don't be a Waster, be a Saver!'. We need to conserve energy, not waste water and travel using less carbon-intensive methods.

To view the Prezi presentation used at the assembly click here.

 

FairTrade Treasure Hunt Winners

From Izzy Lynn, Yr 7

Following a successful week of 'treasure hunting' for FairTrade goods around Cowbridge six lucky winners were chosen and attended a prize giving ceremony on Saturday 9th March. Prizes were handed out by the Mayor and Cowbridge Comprehensive's Headteacher Mrs Debra Thomas.

 

 

The lucky winners received an array of FairTrade food items and some discount vouchers, all of which were kindly donated by local businesses. A huge thanks you to everyone who took part and many thanks to the shops who kindly donated prizes. It was wonderful to see the school and local FairTrade groups coming together and working within the community to promote this worthwhile cause.

 

The businesses involved were:

Pebble

Arboreal

Cocca Eco

Bizzy Bee

Filco

Tesco

Elephant and Bun

Little Shop of Calm

Goose Island

Quarter Penny Cafe

Living Coffee Cafe

Waitrose

The six lucky winners are:

Cai Alin

Dylan Lloyd Doyle

Issy Lynn

Joel Hill

Eleanor Acey

Laura Annettes

Many thanks to all involved and to Mr Gareth Evans for Co-ordinating the event.