Sustainability at Stonehill

Vision

Mission

“Our mission is to nurture active global citizens and implement environmentally responsible practices. We aim to empower our learners to be self-reflective and make responsible, sustainable choices to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Here are some highlights of the initiatives, innovations, and everyday practices we’ve adopted to reduce our environmental impact, empower responsible choices, and inspire the next generation of changemakers. 

Ban of single-use plastic.
All events at Stonehill are devoid of single-use plastics, including cups, bottles, carry bags, etc.

Food Education through the ‘Seeds to Table’ program. 

Through our "Seeds to Table" program, primary students provide fresh greens, herbs, or chillies weekly to the cafeteria, nurturing a direct connection to fresh, homegrown ingredients.

Integrating sustainability into the program of Inquiry

Our young learners dive into the vital role of bees in our ecosystem, as they explore the importance of pollinators, their challenges, and ways to coexist safely. 

Stonehill’s first Campus Bird Census

Stonehill’s first Campus Bird Census, part of the WWF Annual Census, recorded 35 bird species, including rare migratory birds! Findings highlighted the need for more trees and water points to support birdlife.

Expansion of tree coverage in the school campus by 10%

Stonehill did a massive tree plantation drive by adding plenty of tall growing, fruiting trees like Wild almond, Singapore cherry, Indian Blackberry. Shade trees like Neem, Pongamia, Tabebuia & Avalanda were also planted. This project was done in collaboration with the Government as part of their initiative to conserve forests. 

Effective re-use of E-waste generated by the school community. 

Our secondary school students successfully led an E-Waste Awareness and Collection Drive as part of the Middle Years Programme Service as Action initiative. This campaign aimed to educate students about the environmental impact of electronic waste and encourage responsible disposal and recycling practices. They raised awareness about the hazards of improper e-waste disposal. They introduced the E-Waste Collection Drive, encouraging students and staff to bring old or non-functional electronic items—such as chargers, mobile phones, batteries, and other obsolete gadgets—to designated collection points within the school. 

1. As part of the MYP Service as Action initiative, our students conducted a Food Waste Awareness Campaign at the school cafeteria, making a significant impact in reducing food waste. Their efforts raised awareness about responsible consumption, leading to a noticeable decline in food wastage. 

To build on this momentum and make sustainable food practices a long-term habit, the House Captains and Co-Captains took this initiative further. Volunteers at Counters will remind their peers to take smaller portions and return for more if needed; Redesigning the Disposal System – Instead of a single disposal counter, five separate bins will be introduced for Food waste, Forks and spoons, Bowls, Plates and Trays.

Beyond Posters – The team collectively agreed that posters alone would not be effective in driving behavioural change, so the focus will be on practical, student-led action instead. 

Understanding Waste Management – The next step is to consult with the Head Chef to understand what happens to leftovers and waste food, ensuring that the school adopts the most sustainable and efficient disposal methods.

This student-led initiative is a fantastic example of how small actions can lead to big environmental changes. By making conscious choices in the cafeteria, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

2. A group of passionate secondary students led a sustainable initiative that transformed old school uniforms into an opportunity for positive change. Instead of discarding gently used uniforms, they introduced a Uniform Recycling and Thrift Store—a project that benefited both the environment and the school community. Donation bins were placed in homerooms to collect pre-loved uniforms. Each item underwent quality checks to ensure they were clean and fit for reuse. Uniforms that didn’t meet the resale criteria were creatively upcycled into new garments, accessories, or even repurposed for charitable causes. The first Thrift Store sale took place in May 2024. Proceeds supported sustainability initiatives, reinforcing the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Encouraged by the positive response and impact of this initiative, we are excited to continue this project in 2025.