Flag Raising Ceremony Students’ Sharing 2026-4-9

Marina and Elisa, students from Form 4 Bombax and Form 5 Jacaranda respectively, did a sharing about the importance of recycling and sustainability and how they have an impact on our daily life. They also promoted the upcoming Inter-House Recycling Competition and the Inter-House Upcycling Competition. They encouraged students to take part in these activities and support their house members.

Written by Marina YIP (Form 4) and Elisa QUITIBA FREITAS (Form 4)

Elisa: Good morning, Principal, Assistant Principals, Teachers, and fellow students. We are Elisa and Marina. We are here today to talk about the importance of recycling and sustainability, and the several positive impacts they bring. Marina, do you know what sustainability means?

Marina: Sustainability means using resources carefully so they last longer and reduce wastage. We can remember the 6Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Rethink, and Recycle. Elisa, do you know what they mean?

Elisa: Of course! Refuse means saying NO to single-use or extra things that you don’t need. Reduce means buying less and wasting less. Reuse means using things again instead of throwing them away. Repair means fixing broken items instead of replacing them. Rethinking means thinking about different choices that are better for the planet. Lastly, recycling means putting materials into the recycling box so they can be turned into new things.

Marina: But Elisa, do you know why recycling is important?

Elisa: Yes indeed! It helps reduce pollution in our environment. Is there something more?

Marina: Recycling can also save energy, and it can protect nature. For example, making new aluminum cans from old cans uses less energy than making cans from new metal. It means the factories burn less fuel, so they can release less smoke and fewer harmful gases into the air. It can also help fight climate change.

Elisa: Wow! So recycling is very significant! It really makes me reflect on how a simple decision like recycling can make such a huge difference for our planet. I think everyone should aim to do so if they haven’t. But sometimes I’m confused about what items I should recycle. Any tips?

Marina: There are actually more and more items that can be recycled nowadays, but one important rule is that the items must be cleaned. For example, plastic bottles must be cleaned and dried. Otherwise, it may not be recyclable and even contaminate other recycled items.

Elisa: How can we encourage others to start the habit of recycling as responsible global citizens?

Marina: Last year, the Student Council launched the Inter-House Recycling and Upcycling competitions. It was a huge success as we collected a massive amount of recycled items, and Houses created some innovative and appealing installations using the recycled items. Speaking of that, the Student Council is organising these two competitions again this year.

Elisa: Houses will collect the recyclables for a week, and based on the weight, House Points will be awarded. The recycled resources will be reused in the upcoming fashion show. It gives House members a stage to showcase their creativity and aesthetics, while also reminding the CSS community of the importance of recycling.

Marina: Our Inter-House Recycling Competition will be held next week from April 13 to April 17. During that week, we will have the recycling boxes outside the General Office. All House members can put their recycled items into the respective boxes at lunch time. Next to our boxes, there will be some boards introducing the specific recyclables that we will gather each day.

Elisa: Following that, we will have the Inter-House Upcycling Competition, which will be held on April 27. You are all welcome to come and support your House members in this fashion show! The rubrics and other details will be sent to everyone. Please check the email from the Student Council and our Instagram for more details.

Elisa & Marina: We hope that through these competitions, you can start changing your habits, raise your environmental awareness, and save our planet. Thank you!