Two schools in Bluewater District School Board have been certified with the Ontario EcoSchools program.
Macphail Memorial Elementary School in Flesherton has achieved GOLD level certification.
Bruce Peninsula District School in Lion’s Head has reached PLATINUM level. The PLATINUM designation is a first-time achievement for a school in the Bluewater District Board.
At Macphail Memorial, eco-exploration included recycled art creations, the 'Lady from Grey' community and school garden, seed saving, a new composting system for the garden and school’s breakfast program, energy conservation initiatives by junior and senior classes, vermicomposters in four classrooms, and a strong commitment to recycling correctly.
Bruce Peninsula District School participated in a school-wide United Nations Climate Change pilot project during the year. The school developed a webpage, https://www.bpdslivessimply.org, which was followed by staff, students, and community members.
Each class tackled a month-long theme, which included three actions for everyone to try, inquiry-based research, and a UNESCO assembly to share knowledge. Single-use water bottles, bags, and straws were discouraged, free water bottles were given away throughout the year, and students sewed T-shirt bags to reduce plastic use.
The school has also been working with a nearby grocery store to provide a student-constructed wooden box that will hold free giveaway T-shirt bags to customers.
Bluewater District School Board has been part of a network of 58 boards which engage students in efforts such as reducing waste and energy use, along with “greening” their schoolyards while building teamwork and leadership skills.
A key feature of the program is environmental stewardship by the entire student body as well as staff in all employee groups.
Superintendent of Education Paul Hambleton stated, "This is a wonderful compliment to the variety of environmental initiatives that happen each year in our schools. The curricular connections and focus on school facilities help to engage students, both in class and during the free time they spend in our buildings and on the playground."