In 2015, “Go With the Flow: Save Our H2O” became the rallying cry from students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School (IHMS) in Corner Brook, NL. Over a decade ago, they launched the initiative with a vision of encouraging Canadians to value and protect clean water and the environment. Recognizing how fortunate Canada is to have access to safe drinking water, they challenged their classmates to become leaders in building a more sustainable future—a future that the students could shape through their own ideas, experiences, and passions.
During that first year, the school hosted a week of activities around its theme. They promoted the event with posters and banners while the school’s green team encouraged everyone to bring beverages in refillable bottles. All classes participated. Some conducted scientific water experiments, while others presented poems and songs. Their local water supply was highlighted in art projects. Rainwater was collected to water the vegetables and herbs growing in the school’s greenhouse. While continuing to promote using reusable thermoses for drinking water, the green team decided to raise money to install a water refill station. Students Grace Brake-Higgins and Katy Hancock recall their enthusiasm for that initiative, “We still remember how excited we were to see the counter update the first 100 plastic water bottles saved by using the refillable water station. Now it is crazy to think that since the start of the project we have saved thousands.”
Ryley Nadon, who began teaching at IHMS three years prior to the project, stated, “One of many nice things about our school is the success of our environmental initiatives. All staff members share in the responsibilities and take turns organizing different events and projects. In terms of this water project, I have been working on it since the beginning and have had the opportunity to watch it grow and develop.”
Through other initiatives such as the Little Green Thumbs classroom gardens, the school greenhouse, and other environmental projects, students developed a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable growing practices. They became interested in species interdependence and became engaged in learning about the life cycle of salmon, the dietary needs of plants, and how plants and fish can develop a mutual relationship in aquaponics gardens—closed-loop ecosystems that combine aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants). In aquaponics gardens, fish waste provides vital nutrients for plant growth, while plants filter the water. This sustainable method requires 90% less water and yields faster growth rates than growing plants in soil. Aquaponics gardens were set up and run successfully for several years in several classrooms in an effort to increase local salmon populations. Looking ahead, the project will continue each fall with a new group of fish to increase the harvest. By coordinating the greenhouse, classroom gardens, and the aquaponics system, students hope to grow enough produce to make their own salsa.
Those directly involved in the aquaponics gardens also shared knowledge with other classes through oral presentations, reports, artwork, and class visits. Everyone had access to view the fish and to the garden as it grew. Nadon explains, “It was awesome to see the students’ excitement and pride in the project. We are currently looking at a variety of new technologies and seeking partnerships with a couple of schools in Ontario to take this to the next level. We have recently applied for several new grants as well.”
Students were keen to share their learning with the larger community. During the school’s annual Spring Fling Market & Expo, families visited the greenhouse, vermicomposting displays, aquaponics systems, STEM Expo, art show, and other exhibits, giving them an opportunity to see how the school’s many environmental initiatives are connected. As a member of the Council of Canadians’ Blue Water Schools program, which encourages youth to become part of the solution addressing climate and water challenges, the students created water conservation posters to inspire their community.
As “Go With the Flow: Save Our H2O” continues to thrive, many other environmental and social initiatives have emerged at IHMS. Students participate in Development and Peace programs that address poverty, injustice, and social issues. They also compete annually in the Newfoundland Power Kids in Charge Contest. These and many other student-led projects are displayed throughout the school.
Nadon comments, “We joke that every day is Earth Day at IHMS!”
Related Links
https://ourcanadaproject.ca/author/sherry-fox/
https://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/about/en
https://justfood.ca/community-gardening-network/about-the-cgn/plant-a-row-grow-a-row-donate-a-row/
https://canadianteachermagazine.com/2025/01/27/changing-climate- change-anxiety-to-hope-and-action/
Related Resources
https://ourcanadaproject.ca/place/go-with-the-flow-saveour-h20/
https://bluecommunityschools.org/
https://takechargenl.ca/school-contest-grades-k-6/
www.imthecheftoo.com/blogs/stem-for-kids/what-is-stemfor-kids-your-guide-to-hands-on-learning?
https://canadianteachermagazine.com/2017/09/15/water-amost-precious-resource/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Larraine Roulston
Larraine writes children’s illustrated adventure books on composting and pollinating.
This article is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Fall 2026 issue.
