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It’s celebration time!

This May, we had the exciting opportunity to visit a record 953 schools across the province and see firsthand all the incredible initiatives and achievements completed in 2017-18.

We are consistently amazed by the range and creativity of projects that are implemented by EcoTeams and their school communities: from newly-minted school gardens, to creating colourful signage and tours for existing ones; from battery and e-waste recycling campaigns to litterless lunches; from active transportation campaigns to organizing spirit-building school assemblies. Each action an EcoSchools takes further encourages their commitment to environmental awareness and protection.

Below is a snapshot of just some of the many successes achieved by EcoSchools this year.

Got a highlight or photo from your school visit? It’s not too late to share – just tag us on Twitter (@ON_EcoSchools), Facebook (Ontario EcoSchools) or Instagram (@on_ecoschools).

What students had to say:

“If we don’t do something now, what will the world look like in 20-30 years? Some people say to always live in the present, but we also have to focus on the future of our environment!” – Luisa, Grade 6, YCDSB

“I have noticed that when we have a clean school ground and school, we all feel better about coming to school everyday.” – Alisha, Grade 8, St. Eugene Catholic Elementary School, HWCDSB

“Je fais partie du club Électricité, mon club préféré. On vérifie si les lumières sont bien fermées.” – Emma, Grade 2, École Élémentaire Charles-Sauriol, CS Viamonde

“I’ve witnessed a huge behaviour shift in staff – their commitment to environmentalism grew exponentially this year because of EcoTeam presentations. The ripple effect of the work done by this team, that came together organically, has been incredible.” – Laurie, EcoTeam Lead, St. Monica, DCDSB

“Being part of the EcoTeam gives me an opportunity to have a voice.” – Student, Franklin Street PS, YRDSB

“Our municipality doesn’t have recycling, so we commit to focusing on waste reduction instead of recycling.” – Tara Balog, Manitouwadge PS, SGDSB

“More people are educated. They know what to do and why. They can then carry that message from school to home.” – Matthew, Grade 8, Regina Mundi, TCDSB

What EcoSchools had to say:

What our assessors had to say:

What school boards had to say:

Creative EcoSchools examples:

Here are just some of the creative environmental actions we saw when we visited schools across the province.

  • At David Suzuki Secondary School (PDSB), the Tree Specimen ID Sheet was an introductory photography assignment where students focused on getting good photos of the tree species around the school property and making an info sheet in Photoshop (this project had a 3-4 week duration). They learned basic camera and Photoshop skills, but also lessons on parts of the tree, how to ID trees and leaves, how tree species are named, what cultivars are, what invasive species are, and why certain trees were planted in the park next door. The ID sheets were displayed in the school for everyone to see.
  • St. Mary’s (LCDSB) borrowed a bicycle blender from the Health Unit. It came with an information kit discussing the amount of sugar in pre-made drinks. The students then made smoothies by choosing healthy ingredients, like spinach grown in their hydroponic growing towers. They then used pedal power to spin the blender and make smoothies. Every student in the school was able to experience this eco-friendly smoothie and was able to discuss healthy foods and energy conservation.
  • The Green Squad at St. Gabriel (OCSB) set up an Eco Fair in an empty portable to display and share all of the projects they’ve been working on throughout the year, from vermicomposting, to monitoring energy consumption, bird feeder making, seed planting, and more.
  • Holy Trinity Catholic High School (CDSBEO) has started a permaculture farm as part of their SHSM agriculture. Their aim is to provide food for the cafeteria, start a CSA, and then sell produce on the roadside at a farm stand. They have a whopping four acres committed to the project!
  • St. Francis French Immersion CA (HSCDSB) is a small school in Sault St Marie, ON that certified for the first time at a Silver level! One of their projects involved asking students to donate old stuffed toys to be outfitted with student-sewn squeakers that were then donated to the Humane Society.
  • Students from Brooklin High School (DDSB), the school board, and a conservation authority are working together to create an interpretive nature trail with native and pollinator-friendly plants in their community.