Fifty-three Upper Grand District School Board elementary and secondary schools have been certified as EcoSchools for 2016.
This is a record number of winning schools for the board and includes 18 schools that participated for the first time. In addition, there was 100 per cent participation by high schools this year.
“We are excited by the high level of success demonstrated by our schools this year. EcoSchool certification requires a whole-school effort by staff, students and the community in order to actively promote environmental sustainability and stewardship,” said Karen Acton, environmental sustainability lead for the board. One school deserves a special mention for achieving the prized platinum level for the second year in a row.
Victoria Terrace Public School in Fergus achieved a high level of points in all sections, as well as a minimum of 80% in a special platinum section. Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmentally responsible citizenship and reduce their environmental footprint.
EcoSchools focus on six key areas of achievement: teamwork and leadership, energy conservation, waste minimization, school ground greening and curriculum, and environmental stewardship.
Depending on the number of points attained, schools can achieve bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification.
This year’s EcoSchools in Wellington County include:
– Aberfoyle Public School;
– Alma Public School;
– Arthur Public School;
– Centre Wellington District High School;
– Elora Public School;
– Eramosa Public School;
– Erin District High School;
– Erin Public School;
– J.D. Hogarth Public School;
– James McQueen Public School;
– John Black Public School;
– Minto-Clifford Public School;
– Norwell District Secondary School;
– Ponsonby Public School;
– Rockwood Centennial Public School;
– Salem Public School;
– Victoria Terrace Public School; and
– Wellington Heights Secondary School.
