Board encourages staff and students to participate in Earth Hour

Staff and students in Rainbow Schools are being encouraged to participate in Earth Hour this Saturday, March 29th, 2008 at 8 pm. Citizens worldwide will turn off their lights, demonstrating global support for action on climate change.

"Focus on sustainability is a priority for Rainbow District School Board," said Director of Education Jean Hanson. "The actions we take today will affect the planet our students inherit tomorrow."

Rainbow District School Board will turn off all non-essential interior and exterior lights in its schools and at the Board Office. Schools have also been invited to celebrate Earth Hour on Friday through morning announcements and special events.

In addition, the Board is urging staff and students to get their families involved. A letter is being sent home to parents/guardians of students this week.

"By turning off lights at school and at home, we can help make a difference," said Director Hanson. "Our combined efforts will send a powerful message that we care about our planet."

Earth Hour, a project of the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), was pioneered in 2007 by WWF-Australia. In the inaugural year, 2.3 million participants in Sydney, Australia saved 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide by turning off their lights for one hour.

You can join Rainbow Schools in supporting Earth Hour by logging on to http://earthhour.org and signing up to participate.

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Media Contact:

Jean Hanson, Director of Education,

Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7215.