Registration Opens: September 30
Welcome back to another school year! Many of you are wondering if the EcoSchools Certification Program is continuing during this pandemic and we are pleased to announce that it is! The health and safety of students, staff, and families is our top priority; therefore, EcoSchools Canada has made modifications to the program, with additional suggestions on how to adapt every EcoSchools action to meet COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
All schools are invited to become an EcoSchool!
Schools that register will have access to incredible resources that support the Ontario Curriculum. EcoSchools Canada has created a new, user-friendly interface to facilitate increased participation from all TCDSB schools. Registration for the EcoSchools program begins Monday, September 28, 2020.
EcoSchools Canada has compiled many resources to support you in becoming an EcoSchool. We are pleased to inform you that a new virtual platform will be launched soon! We are actively working with our EcoSchools Canada partners to create an exciting and rewarding experience for all. Stay tuned for more information.
Please note, additional information will be forthcoming.
For information on how to get involved contact one of our EcoSchools Committee Members:
Registration Resources
Check out the Ontario EcoSchools resources on how to complete your application, including:
- Certification: View all the details regarding application questions, claiming points, key dates, and criteria for certification.
- Webinars: Need a refresher on parts of the program or application process? View our free recorded webinars that cover all program streams’ details, available on our website.
- Want to promote your Ontario EcoSchools certification? Visit EcoSchools Press and Media.
- For information about certification download the Certification Guide.
What does it mean to be an EcoSchool?
Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental program that addresses both the operation of the schools and what the students learn. It has been designed collaboratively by school boards for school boards to incorporate environmental education as well as environmentally responsible action into the school setting. Student success – in both academics and positive contributions to society – is the focus of Ontario EcoSchools. The program aims to influence young people during a formative period of life, and affect an exponential impact as children take a culture of conservation home with them. Ontario EcoSchools supports School Board's implementation of the Environmental Education Framework.
The purposes of this project are to:
Provide teachers with environmental education resource units for elementary and secondary grades based on the Ontario Curriculum.
Provides guides that promote taking individual action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Align what is taught in classrooms with school operations (curriculum & facilities).
Save money and reduce our impact on the environment (e.g., conserve energy and minimize waste) at both the Board and individual school levels and provide related opportunities for learning and action outside the classroom to reinforce classroom education.
An independent study of the EcoSchools program acknowledged that a reduction of 12% electricity consumption and 8% gas reduction can be identified in EcoSchools versus non-EcoSchools. This relates directly to dollars and cents savings. The overall sense of community and environmental awareness seems to increase in EcoSchools which generates a harmonization of students, teaching staff, caretaking staff and the surrounding community.
EcoSchools achieves this by focusing on these six areas:
- Teamwork and Leadership
- Energy Conservation
- Waste Minimization
- School Ground Greening
- Curriculum Ecological Literacy
- Environmental Stewardship
The EcoSchools program also presents a unique opportunity for students to actively apply their Catholic faith.
In January 1990, Pope John Paul II called the ecological crisis the “responsibility of everyone” and requested that individuals “recognize their obligation to contribute to the restoration of a healthy environment”.
In September 2015, Pope Francis proclaimed the existence of a “right of the environment” and “Any harm done to the environment, therefore, is harm done to humanity,”
EcoSchools recognizes the achievements of the participating schools through a certification process that awards a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze level of achievement.
For information on how to get involved contact one of our EcoSchools Committee Members:
EcoSchools Canada Resources: