Earth Day 2026: Justice Through Service for the Environment
Today, our College community celebrates Earth Day, embracing this year’s theme: Justice for the Environment through Service. Inspired by our Mercy values, the day encourages each of us to consider how simple, everyday actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.
A Community United by Purpose
In the lead-up to Earth Day, students engaged in meaningful conversations during Homeroom, reflecting on what justice for the environment looks like in action. Through a series of thoughtfully designed conversation prompts by the Eco Sisters, students explored ideas such as reducing waste, caring for wildlife, and making more conscious lifestyle choices.
These reflections were displayed in the Mercy Walk today, offering a powerful and collective expression of student voice and commitment.
A Powerful Symbol - Lights Out Learning
This morning, Period 1 looked a little different across the College. Classrooms and offices switched off their lights, with staff and students working in the dark where possible.
This Lights Out moment served as a simple yet powerful reminder of our energy use and its impact on the environment. It sparked conversation, reflection, and a shared understanding that even small actions, like turning off a light—can contribute to a bigger change.
Creativity Meets Sustainability -The Upcycled Fashion Parade
A standout feature of this year’s celebrations is the vibrant upcycled fashion parade. Students and staff proudly paraded outfits and accessories that had been gifted, sourced from thrift stores, or creatively made themselves.
Dressed in earthy tones of green, blue and brown, each participant shared the story behind their look, highlighting how fashion can be both expressive and environmentally responsible. From reimagined garments to cleverly repurposed materials, the parade was a celebration of creativity, individuality, and conscious consumption.
This initiative shines a light on the impact of fast fashion and encourages our community to rethink how we buy, wear, and reuse clothing.
Inspiring Action Through Everyday Choices
Eco Sisters Coordinator Jo Priest highlights the heart of this year’s message:
“Justice for the environment is something that everyone can embrace and take action on, whether it be big or small.”
Throughout the day, students are reminded that even small actions, like reducing plastic use, recycling, or conserving energy, can contribute to meaningful change.
Celebrating Nature Through Photography
Students were also invited to capture the beauty of our natural world through a photography competition. Featuring images of Australia’s landscapes, flora, and fauna, the photographs celebrate both the wonder of our environment and the importance of protecting it.
The winners were:
Supporting Wildlife Through Innovation
Another highlight is the hands-on initiative to create enrichment toys for wildlife organisations, including the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre and Perth Zoo. Using donated recycled materials such as egg cartons and cardboard tubing, students are learning how everyday items can be transformed into something meaningful for animal care.
Student Voice Driving Change
For Eco Justice Captain Frankie Lucas, Earth Day is an opportunity to empower students:
“By showing students that they can drive their own change shows them that they can work towards breaking down these large issues with simple everyday actions.”
Her words reflect the spirit of the day, one that inspires participation, reflection, and action across all year levels.
A Shared Commitment
Earth Day is a reminder that caring for our environment starts with each of us. Whether through creative expression, thoughtful reflection, or practical action, our community is taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.
Together, we are bringing the Mercy value of Justice to life through service to the environment and to one another.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
