Rainbow Schools among fastest growing with EcoSchools certifications

Rainbow District School Board is once again among the top 10 fastest growing school boards to receive EcoSchools certifications for the 2018-2019 school year. To date, 60 per cent of Rainbow Schools have earned certifications, 21 per cent higher than the provincial average.

This year, 27 schools achieved EcoSchools certifications – Adamsdale Public School, Alexander Public School, Assiginack Public School, C.R. Judd Public School, Central Manitoulin Public School, Charles C. McLean Public School, Chelmsford Public School, Copper Cliff Public School, Cyril Varney Public School, Espanola High School, Lansdowne Public School, Larchwood Public School, Lasalle Secondary School, Little Current Public School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary school, MacLeod Public School, Manitoulin Secondary School, Markstay Public School, Monetville Public School, Queen Elizabeth II Public School, R.L. Beattie Public School, R.H. Murray Public School, Redwood Acres Public School, S. Geiger Public School, Sudbury Secondary School, Valley View Public School and Walden Public School.

Seven schools achieved a gold certification, 15 achieved silver, and three achieved bronze. In a first, Central Manitoulin Public School and R.L. Beattie Public School were certified platinum, the highest level for Ontario EcoSchools.

Certification recognizes achievement in six key areas: ecological literacy, energy conservation, environmental stewardship, school ground greening, teamwork and leadership, and waste minimization.

“The Ontario EcoSchools program provides students with proficiencies, perspectives and practices that will help them become environmentally responsible citizens inside and outside of the classroom,” said Judy Noble, Superintendent of Schools and Chair of the Board’s Environmental Committee.

“Each year, I am amazed at the strategies staff and students implement to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “Even the smallest of changes can have a profound impact on our health, and the health of our planet.”

He adds: “We are extremely proud of the work being done to make green a vibrant part of our Rainbow.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.