Tollgate Technological Skills Centre
Grand Erie went green again with EcoSchools.
Each year from September to June, EcoSchools Canada invites students and staff to examine their environmental impact and stewardship. Participating schools take action in their communities to improve daily operations through initiatives like waste-free lunches and recycling programs, energy conservation, yard clean-ups, paper reduction and more.
Twenty-seven Grand Erie schools participated this year, with 17 schools receiving certification at the platinum, gold, silver or bronze level.
"These schools have shown what it means to be responsible and engaged citizens in their commitment to environmental stewardship and leadership to create positive change," said Dr. JoAnna Roberto, Chief Executive Officer. "Each of these actions reflects our new strategic plan, We Lead Forward, encouraging students to be accountable and action-focused as they take their next steps."
Here is the full list of participants:
In addition to EcoSchools efforts, many schools led separate projects to deepen their understanding of climate action. Paris District High School partnered with Brant County Forestry in an Eco Action Project. Chris McAnally, Grand Erie's Energy and Sustainability Officer, said in their work, "students planted 225 trees, along with a pollinator garden. Thanks to them, numerous invasive species and litter have been removed from along the Watts Pond Trail in Brant County."
Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School and Delhi District Secondary School participated in Forest Canada's Ontario Envirothon, which facilitates hands-on learning related to forestry, aquatics, soil and wildlife, a workshop day with local experts and a competition day where the students apply what they learned. PJ students completed a soil texture analysis using a jar test method and soil texture triangle.
Local partnerships and programs like EcoSchools Canada empower and challenge students to make their own change in Grand Erie to support learning, well-being and belonging for every learner.
