An average morning at MacLeod Public School in Rainbow District School Board begins with EcoTeam announcements about the schools’ Paper-Free Day campaign. Walking down the halls, you’ll see student-created posters with energy conservation tips, and hear Grade 5’s and 6’s chatting about their field trip to Science North.
These are just some of the ways a school community shows their environmental spirit.
Certifying with the Ontario EcoSchools program for the first time this year, MacLeod PS is home to an engaged EcoTeam known as the Earth Guardians, comprised of 15 students from Grades 4 to 6.
While the Earth Guardians have only been an EcoTeam since October 2016, they have already led the way on a host of environmentally-friendly initiatives, ranging from promoting recycling through presentations and games to working with a nearby school to implement a greening project.
When asked why they liked being on the EcoTeam, one Grade 4 student answered: “Building the garden because it feels really good to know that something I built with my own two hands will be good to the environment and bring joy to the entire school.”
The Earth Guardians also have a strong presence at school thanks to regular announcements, presentations, and gentle reminders about environmentally responsible behaviour, like proper waste sorting and turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
In addition to implementing a strong environmental program at school, MacLeod PS is also going green in their infrastructure! From an energy efficient heating system (displacement ventilation and heat recovery systems, radiant floor heating, high insulation values in windows, walls and floors) to a water bottle refill station this school is committed to reducing their ecological footprint.
And they’re thinking even bigger! As a newer building, the school roof was constructed to accommodate solar infrastructure; plans are in the works to install solar panels which will further improve their environmental performance. To encourage outdoor learning, MacLeod PS will also be purchasing benches for an outdoor study area. The school also hopes to implement a composting system to reduce food waste going to landfill.
This engaged school community is not only taking part in the Ontario EcoSchools program to be recognized for their green efforts – they are also working with the broader community to make a difference. This year, they worked with nearby Lockerby Composite School to build three raised flowerbeds to improve biodiversity while beautifying school grounds. Students also had the chance to visit the Greater Sudbury Recycling Centre on a field trip to connect waste minimization practices at school to larger impact at the city level.
The Green Guardians also organized several campaigns this year to connect learning and action:
- International Year of the Pulses: Students helped raise awareness about pulses, which are some of the most sustainably grown and nutrient-dense foods, across the Rainbow District School Board by creating posters and announcements as well as a recipe book.
- Lights Out Canada: Students turned off their lights at school and encouraged the community to do the same at home. These actions were connected to learning how making consistent efforts to reduce electricity use can mitigate climate change.
- Weekly/Monthly School Walk-Abouts: Students monitored waste and energy use in each classroom, completing checklists and identifying areas for improvement for their peers.
MacLeod PS is demonstrating that big changes come from small steps. Congratulations on your first year as eco-leaders, and we wish you all the best as you continue to build your environmental program!
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