The Halton District School Board is pleased to announce that 47 schools this year have been certified by the
Ontario EcoSchools program this year, which recognizes and celebrates schools for their environmental learning and action.
In Halton, 10 schools achieved Platinum, 26 schools were awarded Gold level, and 11 received Silver level. In addition, Chris Hadfield, Lakeshore and Post's Corners public schools have been certified every year for 11 years. They will be receiving plaques recognizing their on-going EcoSchools certification.
Under the Ontario EcoSchools program, schools are required to apply for certification annually. Certification is based on a provincial standard.
"We congratulate all members of EcoTeams, who have learned about environmental and sustainability issues in and around their schools and have taken action to address them," says Suzanne Burwell, the Board's Environmental Sustainability Coordinator. "Not only are students learning in the classroom, but they are extending that learning beyond the walls of the school by asking questions, designing solutions and educating their communities."
“Ontario EcoSchools certification provides a framework for environmental learning and action, and school communities bring it to life,” says Lindsay Bunce, Executive Director, Ontario EcoSchools. “The program allows schools and school boards to benchmark their progress and celebrate achievements year-over-year. We are so proud of the 1,900 schools and 58 school boards that participated in the program in 2017-18.”
Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program for Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmental practices to become environmentally responsible and reduce the environmental footprint. The key areas of focus and achievement are: Teamwork and Leadership, Energy Conservation, Waste Minimization, School Ground Greening, Curriculum, and Environmental Stewardship.
The Halton District School Board is proud to be part of this growing network, and supports ongoing environmental practices in schools.
For additional information, contact:
Suzanne Burwell, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator
Halton District School Board
905-335- 3665, ext, 3366; Toll free: 1-877- 618-3456