Rainbow Schools host Sweater Day on February 12th

Rainbow District School Board is turning down the heat and inviting all students and staff to wear a sweater on Friday, February 12, 2016.
 
“Sweater Day is intended to raise awareness about renewable energy and change behaviour around energy consumption,” says Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “It’s a fun way for everyone to get involved in the conversation about climate change, as students learn the significance of wearing a sweater to sustainability.”
 
As part of Sweater Day, schools have been given some cozy ideas to educate students, including the following question: “Canada’s Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on the planet. How does the temperature of your home affect the temperature of the polar bear’s Arctic habitat?”
 
“We want students to make the connection between their thermostat, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, melting sea ice and Arctic wildlife,” says Director Blaseg. “We also want students to recognize that fashion has a footprint and that recycling clothes helps to reduce that footprint.”
 
The Environmental Committee has been issuing monthly challenges to staff and students in Rainbow Schools since the start of the school year.
 
In September, members of the school staff were invited to bike, take transit, car pool or walk to work on World Car Free Day.
 
Rainbow Schools held an Eat Local Day in November. Secondary school cafeterias, which are operated by Chartwells, featured a special menu made of locally sourced ingredients.
 
In January, schools were invited to “Reduce the Refuse” and pack a litterless lunch.
 
What will next month’s challenge be?
 
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Media Contact:
 
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.