35 Schools Receive Ontario EcoSchools Certification in 2008

Thirty-five Halton District School Board schools are now certified by Ontario EcoSchools for their efforts to live more sustainably. This certification includes 10 awards at the Gold level, 21 awards at the Silver level and four at the Bronze level. This increase in the number certified schools from six schools in 2006-2007 to 35 schools in 2007-2008 means 37% of Halton public schools are certified as Ontario EcoSchools. In addition to the newly certified schools, a number of schools increased their level of certification to Silver and Gold levels.

Substantial increase in certification due to focused efforts of students and staff

“Increasing the number of schools establishing eco-friendly practices is one of the targets identified in the Board’s Operational Plan,” says Gillian Tuck Kutarna, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “I’m pleased to see so many schools being recognized for their efforts to create more sustainable environments, which benefit our communities and enhance education opportunities for our children.”

According to Ron Ballentine and Kim Wallace, co-chairs of the Halton District School Board Environmental Management Team, it is the widespread and growing support from staff and students that has helped schools move ahead to the next level to create more sustainable schools.

“Our Board’s increase in certification is by far the greatest improvement in the province,” adds Ballentine. “We’re proud of these schools for leading the way with these important environmental initiatives.”

Each of the newly certified schools focused its efforts in the priority areas of EcoSchools including waste minimization, energy conservation, ecological literacy and school ground greening. As part of the EcoSchools program, each school developed an EcoTeam with student, staff, and parent participation, organizing school-wide projects such as waste-free or boomerang lunches, recycling programs, and school-yard tree plantings.

Recognition and celebration of these accomplishments will be at the Halton Student EcoCelebrations taking place in October 2008.

The list of schools in the Halton District School Board who have achieved EcoSchools certification:

Brookville
Pineview
White Oaks North Campus
White Oaks South Campus
Falgarwood
River Oaks
Iroquois Ridge
Joshua Creek
Oakville Trafalgar
Chisholm
Thomas A. Blakelock
Gladys Speers
Pine Grove
Abbey Park
Captain R Wilson
Centennial
Robert Little
Acton HS
McKenzie-Smitt Bennett
L.B. Pearson
Sir Ernest MacMillan
Florence Meares
Lakeshore
Burlington Central
Aldershot HS
Maplehurst
Bruce Trail
Chris Hadfield
Hawthorne Village
Alexander’s
Brookdale
Glen Williams
Pineland
Post Corners
Robert Bateman

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