Two years ago, St. Michael Catholic High School became an Eco-certified school. The changes in greener behaviour and attitudes, the support of students and staff and the leadership of the EcoSchools Team was recognized and rewarded by the EcoSchools Head Office in Toronto, after a school audit. St. Mike’s was granted a Silver Certification.
Many founding members of the EcoSchools Team graduated in 2009, therefore the 2009-2010 team – a much smaller group – decided to simply maintain the initiatives that were put in place the previous school year. We did not reapply for certification, but the Team continued to guide and encourage in the habits of turning off lights, turning off monitors, recycling paper, cans, plastic and glass. We maintained the Battery Recycling Program and the ThinkRecycle Program – where old cell phones and used print cartridges are collected for a small financial compensation. A few other successes from last school year are worth noting. The cafeteria eliminated the use of Styrofoam and initial steps were taken to create an outdoor classroom.
This school year, under the leadership of Ms. Howison and with the support of past team leaders, the EcoSchools Team is off to a great start. An action plan is being established and all are energized and enthusiastic about this renewed commitment to responsible stewardship of the earth!
