On May 27, students and staff at St. Dorothy Catholic School rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty for a good cause, beautifying their school grounds while contributing to a greener future. In collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the school participated in a tree planting initiative through the TRCA’s school planting program —a vibrant expression of environmental stewardship and faith in action. Inspired by the "Pope Francis effect" and his call to care for our common home, students and staff have come together to green their school communities, learn from the land, and deepen their appreciation for God’s creation.
The event brought together 45 enthusiastic students who planted 52 native shrubs around the school property. The initiative aimed not only to enhance the school’s natural landscape but also to educate students about the vital role native plants play in supporting local biodiversity, preventing flooding, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The program supports broader goals shared by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), which has made environmental sustainability a key priority. Through hands-on learning opportunities like this one, students are empowered to become active stewards of creation and to live out their faith through care for the environment. This project has been funded by the City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program.
With every shrub planted, students at St. Dorothy are helping grow a more sustainable future, one rooted in awareness, action, and community partnership.