Students learn environmental responsibility in 1234 certified EcoSchools in 40 school boards
September 7, 2010 – Students and teachers across the province are beginning the school year with award ceremonies to celebrate becoming certified EcoSchools.  For the 2009-10 school year, the number of EcoSchools in Ontario totaled 1234 schools in 40 school boards.
The following school boards have certified EcoSchools:
- Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic
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- Catholic DSB of Eastern Ontario
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- Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic
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- CSD catholique Centre-Sud
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To achieve certified EcoSchool status, students participate in an exciting, school-wide program that integrates ecological literacy with hands-on activities to conserve energy, reduce waste and provide shade for their school grounds. Points are awarded for actions that meet EcoSchools criteria.
As a teacher from the Toronto Catholic District School Board says “This certification application is a great way to ensure our school is being as 'green' as possible in as many ways possible.â€
An EcoTeam implements action plans that engage the whole school community in environmentally responsible practices, tracking, managing and evaluating progress throughout the entire year. Through this innovative teaching model, students develop the knowledge, skills and perspectives they need to understand how to become active citizens aware of their impact on the environment. Â
"Reaching the EcoSchool certification is a fantastic achievement and shows just how determined our young people are to look after and enhance their environment," said PVNCCDSB Chairman Dave Bernier to Northumberland News.
Ontario EcoSchools was created by a consortium of education stakeholders to address environmental issues in the formal education system. Seven school boards, York University, and the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority collaborated to adapt and expand on the work of the Toronto District School Board, developing an environmental education program that can be used province-wide. The Ontario EcoSchools program is free-of-charge, supported by the Ministries of Education and Environment. Resources may be downloaded from www.ontarioecoschools.org.
For further information, please contact:
(416) 642-5774, info@ontarioecoschools.org
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