St. Joseph-Scollard Hall received special recognition this week, reaching gold level status as an Ontario Ecoschool.
The Ontario Ecoschool Program is a rigorous certification process that empowers students to have a positive impact on their school communities, by leading environmental projects and sharing important knowledge with their peers.
“This year our Ecoschool projects were led by Hope Delongchamp and Kylie Sullivan,” says Terry Dubroy, teacher of the St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Studies Program (SOLE). “The Ecoschools Program aligns nicely with what we learn in SOLE. Hope and Kylie demonstrated that when students are equipped with knowledge and confidence they can achieve really great things.”
Delongchamp and Sullivan led a series of activities throughout the school year including school audits, where they ensured technology and equipment was shut off when not in use and recycling bins were being used appropriately, organizing a school-wide Earth Day activity and running educational programs in elementary schools.
“It was a really busy year,” says Delongchamp, who is in her final year at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall. “But all the hard work is really worthwhile when you see the progress of your initiatives and the changes that are happening as a result.”
The provincial certification requires schools to develop sustainable projects in six categories: Teamwork and Leadership, Energy Conservation, Waste Minimization, School Ground Cleaning, Curriculum and Environmental Stewardship. Successful schools are then awarded bronze, silver, gold or platinum status, based on their ability to implement and maintain projects. St. Joseph-Scollard Hall is receiving gold level status for the second consecutive year after completing projects in all six categories.
