During the 2018-19 school year, EcoSchools across Ontario completely outdid themselves with a wide diversity of projects, actions, and events. All of this hard work and effort did not go unnoticed, and we would like to take this time to highlight some of the amazing contributions from around Ontario. Each action further encourages a commitment to environmental awareness and protection.
EcoSchools Actions, in Your Words
“We learned that we can make a difference in the bigger picture. By doing something so simple like turning off the lights and using natural light we can make a big impact. Most of us had to remind our teachers to turn off the lights during the time we made. Students had to use natural light to do their work and had to make sure they were safe. I learned that we make a big difference with a small act. I was very proud that the whole school took part and enjoyed the event.”
– Lavita, Student at TCDSB St Jude CS
Creative Actions and Projects
Peel Alternative School North in PDSB started their own “Re-Store” to recycle clothing and other goods such as shoes and bags. The store is run and maintained by students, and clothing donations come in from the community as well as staff and students. Students in need can also access the store through staff members. The store has helped inform students about how items they were discarding could be used, and in cases needed, by others. They have reflected on the fact that these items would have likely ended up in a landfill instead of being put to good use.
Students from Immaculata High School in OCSB helped research, plan and implement an Environmental Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) at their school. The school invited Catherine McKenna, cabinet Minister of Environment and Climate Change, for a presentation on her policies and initiatives, and the students then presented her with the brand-new Environmental SHSM that will be launched at the school.
Grade 3 and 4 students from Humphrey Central Elementary School in NNDSB conducted a book drive for used and unwanted books. They categorized all the books by genre and surveyed the kindergarten students to find out their favourite types of stories. When the holiday season came around, they wrapped all the gifts in repurposed boxes and gave them as gifts to the kindergarten students. The remaining books were shared with the rest of the school.
After working on their own project, students from Central Manitoulin Public School in RDSB are mentoring another public school on how to raise salmon from eggs and release them into creeks around the Island. They work with Manitoulin Fish and Streams to capture fish eggs for fertilization and find revitalized streams to release in.
Inspirational Stories (in 280 Characters or Less)
“Remember… what we save, will save us. So proud of the heart our ECO team demonstrates each and every day. On this #EarthDay2019 we pledge to do more for Mother Earth. @Ycdsb_EcoTalk @ON_EcoSchools @st_smal #stillmoretobedone” – @LibrarianZucc, St. Michael the Archangel CES, York Catholic District School Board
“More than 30 schools participated in our Clean and Green 20 min schoolyard makeover this past Tuesday and 40+ are finalizing their @ON_EcoSchools certifications right now.” – @ErinMutch, Thames Valley District School Board
“I am a leader for the environment because I believe in the power of the outdoors! Being in nature makes my heart sing and keeps my thoughts clear and creative. It is my privilege to pass that passion and joy for our incredible planet on to my students ” – @LizBonn, Harriet Tubman PS, District School Board of Niagara
“You did it @MillersGrovePS! You beat yesterday’s total number of bikes for #BikeToSchool week! We have so many bikes today we ran out of room at the bike racks AGAIN!!! Congratulations Geckos!! @PeelSchools @regionofpeel #BikeToSchool” – @MillersGrovePS, Millers Grove PS, Peel District School Board
“Inspiring presenters, great networking opportunities and the best veggie burger I’ve ever eaten at #SuperConference2019 Can’t wait to bring my learning back to @TecumsehHDSB @ON_EcoSchools #Love4EcoSchools” – @MsJaceyJones, Tecumseh PS, Halton District School Board
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