Environmental challenges in Rainbow Schools begin with EcoStart

Rainbow District School Board is kicking off another school year of environmental challenges with EcoStart. Staff and students in Rainbow Schools will create or renew their school’s EcoCode – an environmental mission statement that demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.

In the 2025-2026 school year, Rainbow District School Board had the distinction of being one of only four school boards in Canada to have all of its schools EcoSchools certified. Rainbow Schools earned 28 Platinum and 12 Gold certifications, the highest levels in the EcoSchools Canada program.

“Developing an EcoCode gives schools a meaningful way to bring their environmental priorities to life and inspire the entire school community to take action,” said Rainbow District School Board Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bourget. “The process encourages students and staff to consider the impact of their everyday choices and work together to build habits and practices that support a more sustainable future.”

He added: “Displaying an EcoCode in a prominent place at school keeps those shared commitments front and centre, serving as a daily reminder of the environmental values that guide the school community.”

The board’s Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges to staff and students throughout the school year. The challenges, which include an Indigenous component, have proven to be an effective way to broaden the scope of education and environmental action.

To provide the groundwork for developing or renewing an EcoCode, and to deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives, schools received resources to share with students. This included readings from the Anishinaabek Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, as well as videos about the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the Clan System, and translations to support learning Anishinaabemowin.

“The Seven Grandfather Teachings inspire us to live a good life in relation to our families, communities and Mother Earth,” says CEO Bourget. “Fundamental to living a good life is protecting and preserving our planet for generations to come.”

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.