Markstay Public School receives EcoVoyageurs Jr. Environmental Award

Markstay Public School has received an EcoVoyageurs Jr. Environmental Award, a tribute to efforts by students, staff and parents to reduce their carbon footprint. The award includes a $2,000 grant to support school environmental initiatives. Funds will be used for further beautification and re-greening projects.

“The Grade 3/4 class was one of 10 schools in Canada to be recognized,” said Principal Stephen Winckel. “We are delighted that our efforts to go green will now be showcased on a national level. Together, we can and are making a difference. We welcome an opportunity to share our success story.”

Principal Winckel praised teachers Jennifer Leblanc and Rebecca Ogilvy as well as educational assistants Julie Laframboise and Megan Nelson for leading the go green efforts at Markstay Public School with tremendous success.

Students in the Grade 3/4 class collected Kool-Aid Jammers juice packages. Megan Nelson’s mother used the packages to make re-usable bags. Students share eco-friendly tips during morning announcements and promote litter-less lunches on Fridays. They have also planted flowers and shrubs to re-green the schoolyard. This year, they started growing white pine trees for future planting.

Markstay Public School’s efforts to go green will be featured in an upcoming edition of the EcoVoyagers Jr. newsletter that is distributed to 2,500 teachers across Canada. The school will also be featured on the Ecovoyageurs.ca website.

-30-

Media Contact:

Stephen Winckel, Principal, Markstay Public School,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-671-5946.