Students in Rainbow Schools are being encouraged to bike, walk and roll to school this week, leading up to Car Free Day this Friday, September 20, 2024 and International Walk to School Month in October.
"Our first Environmental Challenge of the school year combines sustainability with physical activity," says Director of Education Bruce Bourget. "Biking, walking and rolling to school encourages students to move in the great fresh outdoors while reducing our overall carbon footprint," he says. He adds: "But students always need to remember to put safety first."
Also to kick off the school year, schools have been invited to create an eco-code to reaffirm their commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Indigenous Education encourages students and teachers to reinforce the principles of the Seven Grandfathers in the development of their eco-code.
Rainbow District School Board was one of only five school boards in Canada to have all of its schools EcoSchools Canada certified in the 2023-2024 school year.
"By certifying 100% of their schools, Rainbow District School Board has established a culture of conservation and respect for the environment across their school network and can take pride in being a sustainability leader in both Canada and worldwide," said Ryan Dyment, Co-Executive Director of EcoSchools Canada.
EcoSchools provides benchmarks for environmental learning and action in Canada, instilling in students the proficiencies, perspectives and practices to help them become environmentally responsible citizens inside and outside of the classroom. Certification recognizes achievement in six key areas: ecological literacy, energy conservation, environmental stewardship, school ground greening, teamwork and leadership, and waste minimization.
Monthly environmental challenges, which include an Indigenous component, have proven to be an effective way to broaden the scope of education and environmental action. Through an Anishinaabe perspective, students have the opportunity to experience and understand profound customs and teachings to place an even greater value on the protection of our planet, our home, Mother Earth "Shkagamikwe". Relevant Anishinaabemowin reinforces appropriate action to support the environmental focus for the month.
