Lackner Woods Public School, WRDSB,
photo courtesy of Evergreen Learning Grounds

Teaching Outdoors — Natural Links to Curriculum
Taking students outdoors is an important part of environmental education, providing experiential learning in the environment around the school, fostering a connection to local places and developing a greater understanding of ecosystems. Before planning outdoor activities check with your board for policies or procedures to help keep students safe.
MORE

Outdoor Classroom Spaces
Here are some good examples of outdoor classroom spaces at Ontario schools. Important components to consider include shade, mulch and seating materials. Check with your board before planning any school ground greening for policies and procedures that will help ensure the success and longevity of the project.
MORE

Helping students develop a sense of place — caring for school grounds
Caring for their school grounds regularly helps students develop an understanding of human and natural systems and their interactions. Composting, mulching, watering, weeding, planting and saving seeds all provide an opportunity for students to develop a sense of place and take ownership for their school grounds.
MORE

Sun Safety
Make sure your students have fun without getting too much sun. We have compiled a list of resources to help your students learn about ultra violet radiation (UVR) and the importance of minimizing exposure during peak UVR periods. 
more

It doesn't have to be warm to start planning!
Don't feel left out if you haven't greened your school grounds yet. This is a good time to start planning as the process is rather lengthy! It usually takes 18 months to 2 years to implement your plan but proper planning upfront is always worthwhile. Check with your board before planning any school ground greening for policies and procedures that will help ensure the success and longevity of the project.
MORE

Kristina Quinlann, a student presenter from SDCEO

Ministry of Education holds Environmental Education Symposium
About 600 people from all 72 of Ontario’s school boards attended the Ministry's symposium on environmental education. A student youth forum was held within the symposium, with 40 students participating from English, French, public and Catholic boards. 

The Ministry demonstrated its commitment to environmental education by announcing a new policy framework entitled Acting Today, Shaping Tomorrow, that will incorporate the environment as a part of every subject in every grade.
MORE

Lighthouse Schools Workshops
Ontario EcoSchools held regional workshops in Barrie, Whitby, London, Kemptville, Peterborough and Hamilton in February and early March. More than 200 teachers, custodians, principals and board staff gathered to share student engagement strategies, discuss ways to overcome challenges and barriers, and learn more about certification.

Earth Hour
Your school can set a great energy conservation example by participating in Earth Hour on March 27th …the day before the ‘official’ Earth Hour. Downloadable graphics, teaching resources and registration may be found at wwf.ca/earthhour/toolkits/   Check to see if there is a specific Earth Hour on Friday March 27th for schools in your board. Contact your board’s EcoSchools representative for more information.  

EcoSchools in the Media
PRESS RELEASE, Ministry of Education, Feb 26 2009: Making Education Greener: McGuinty Government Promotes Environmental Education In Schools