Over the last ten years, Ontario EcoSchools has grown from 108 schools to 1,745. We have seen the growth of the French-Language school board participation, brought on Northern schools, and have been inspired by the amazing EcoActions we see each year in applications and during site visits.
There are two schools who have certified with us throughout our 10 year journey: St. Anthony Daniel in Hamilton Wentworth Catholic DSB, and Rosebank Public School in Durham DSB. We want to take a moment to reflect on ten years of their superb environmental efforts.
St. Anthony Daniel Catholic Elementary School
“We learned that with teamwork we can achieve great things.” (Grade 8 EcoTeam students)
For St. Anthony Daniel, the focus has been on how the whole school community can make a difference, in all sections of the Ontario EcoSchools program. Nicky and Bella, who are both in grade five, note that it has been essential to put: “Waste in the right place!” and that “It takes pride and heart to care for the earth.” This means sorting paper, containers, liquids, earth bins, and garbage bins. Because of this thorough practice over the years, there has been a significant reduction in the amount of waste at the school.
As well, programs such as daily Litterless Lunches/Dimlit Lunches and Meatless Fridays are a regular part of the school actions. The greening projects that began with the planting of native species around the front entrance now include an outdoor classroom, butterfly attracting plants, and a Victory Garden. The school has also planted one tree per year thanks to the City of Hamilton’s Forestry Department.
Not only that, but St. Anthony Daniel students have fundraised for a hydration station and bike rack, made a significant reduction in single-use plastic water bottles, and integrated comprehensive energy saving initiatives. According to the EcoTeam lead teacher, Deb Falcao: “Above all, we believe and live our motto; we are stewards of the earth and of each other and what we do is part of our everyday lives both at school and at home.”And, according to the grade 6 EcoTeam members: “Our message to schools who want to become an Ecofriendly school is to keep our land, air and food clean.”
Rosebank Public School
“The best part of being on the Eco Club is that I get to make a difference for the Earth” (Grade 1 EcoTeam student)
Rosebank Public School’s Ontario EcoSchool program has always been student centered: from planning to implementation, the students’ ideas are what guide the EcoSchool practices. At Rosebank, students come back year after year with an enthusiasm to make a difference in the environment – the motto for the EcoTeam is ‘Together We Can Make a Difference’.
Over the past ten years, initiatives have been covered in all sections, with a focus on Waste Minimization, Energy Conservation, and School Ground Greening. Their award-winning school garden incorporates seasonal learning elements and has bloomed with student help over the years.
This year, the EcoTeam has focused on a range of interactive projects including Monitor Monsters to conserve energy in computer labs, Boomerang lunches, and daily activities for Earth Week that range from a Walk to School Wednesday to a Lights Off Friday. As the warmer weather approaches, the school has an outdoor School Ground Clean-Up and a new outdoor classroom space planned.
Karen Groenewegen is the Grade 1 lead green teacher, and is thrilled to see the changes students have made, now and over the last decade: “As the EcoTeam lead, I have enjoyed helping students of a variety of ages to make positive changes that impact the environment. The students’ enthusiasm for our Eco initiatives keeps me motivated, and the difference the EcoTeam is making in our school community is wonderful to see.”
Both Rosebank and St. Anthony Daniel have done exceptional work in their schools, but it’s the efforts of the entire EcoSchools community that lead to widespread change. From those just beginning the program, to those ten years in, Ontario EcoSchools applauds the myriad ways schools integrate environmental learning and action into daily life.
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