On May 13, students and staff at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School rolled up their sleeves and dug in—literally—for a meaningful cause, enhancing their school grounds while promoting a greener tomorrow.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), in collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), proudly celebrates the success of the Native Shrub Planting Initiative—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. This project has been funded by the City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program.
The event saw 45 eager Grade 7/8 students come together to plant 42 native shrubs throughout the school property. The goal was twofold: to beautify the school’s outdoor space and to deepen students' understanding of the importance of native plants in maintaining local biodiversity, reducing flood risks, and combating the effects of climate change.
