LOOKING after the world was the focus for the day for a group of children who became inspired by a poem celebrating the earth.

Youngsters from St Columba’s Catholic Primary School on Walney have been learning about how to care for their planet using the guidance of St Francis of Assisi’s famous poem, Laudato Si.

The poem celebrates the wonders of Mother Earth and encourages its inhabitants to nurture it in every way they can.

Headteacher Claire O’Donnell said she hoped the day ‘shed light on how we can help our climate’.

“We want the children to realise how to look after the Earth especially with the current climate crisis,” she said.

“We’re using the poem Laudato Si as an example of how we can look after our planet however big or small.

“The poem reminds us how we are all one human family with one common home.”

The pupils have been taught the various ways they can combat climate change including: recycling, turning taps and lights off, looking after animals and more.

Year Six pupil Esme said she learnt about the importance of caring for our planet in these uncertain times.

She said: “We’re learning all about how to love animals and protect our planet.”

Fellow Year Six pupil Lily said: “We learnt about how the sea level is rising and the world is falling apart.

“We need to do as much as we can to protect it.”

Kian added: “We learnt about the ways we can save the world. We need to all care for our common home.

“By 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish which is worrying.”

William said: “Our icebergs are melting in Antarctica which is causing sea levels to rise.

“We need to do something about it.”