Our Beginning of Term Service at Ely Cathedral on Monday morning (April 22nd) was a wonderful way to kick-start the Summer Term, mark Earth Day, and launch our Eco Week celebrations!
Pupils, staff and families from Reception through to Year 13 came together for the service, which was led by four of our Senior Environmental Prefects – Robert Banwell, Sophie Haydn-Slater, Jack Hooker and Sydney Smith.
The theme of Earth Day this year is ‘Planet vs Plastics’, reflecting EarthDay.org’s campaign for a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.
In her sermon, Sophie said: “It is important that we all play our part in protecting the environment. Throughout the whole school, we are already making changes to better the world around us. Members of the Eco Club in Prep have been busy making bughouses out of recycled materials, as well as the Prep School litter picks. These are examples we can all follow, and should continue to pursue, to make the school an even more eco-friendly place.
“We call on everyone in this room today to think about their choices, even in everyday life, and to look for opportunities, however small to protect and nourish our earth. Whether this be how you get to school, what you eat at lunch, or where you buy your clothes from. The power of this school community should not be underestimated, as if we all make individual changes for the benefit of our environment, the planet will truly thank us. Climate change affects the way we live now, but if we do not continue to care for our planet, God’s creation, by changing the way we think and behave as a human race, we will continue to suffer the consequences.”
All music, readings and prayers during the service were themed around our planet and the importance of protecting it.
Our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 Pre-Prep pupils arrived at the cathedral with their fabulous upcycled plastic bottle creations that they had worked on during the Easter Holidays. Their masterpieces looked fantastic on display in front of the altar and reinforced the message that we all, regardless of age or generation, can help to make a difference!