"Many leaders have emerged through
our Eco initiatives, among both
teachers and students. These people
have been intrinsically motivated to
realize their potential to make a
difference in an area where they can
be who they are and pursue their
passion with creative ideas and
enthusiasm. So many of our students
have a renewed self-esteem and sense
of self-worth because of the depth and
breadth of our Eco initiatives."
Annotations:
great quote
"Students love being
responsible and this is one
way we can ensure that
we are shaping global
citizens of tomorrow who
will have sustainability in
the forefront. They crave
the responsibility and
leadership."
Annotations:
great quote
Partnerships
"Creates connections between
the parts of a school system
that may otherwise be isolated
(e.g. primary students and
intermediate students,
students and cartaking staff)"
"Builds community
within the school
and reaches out into
the school
community (parents,
businesses etc.)"
Resources
"Resources are provided
which support schools in
achieving goals and
demonstrating evidence of
impact in doing so"
"It provides many
ideas and exemplars."
EcoSchool Programming
"As an Eco school, we have to meet
a very high bar, and the
self-assessment focus on the criteria
in all the categories really allows for
serious reflection about where we
are as a school, and where we need /
want to grow. I like the fact that Eco
schools have to apply each year – no
resting on any laurels! "
Annotations:
-use this quote to counteract complainers
- use in cert guide beside "schools have to reapply every year"
- solution for the issue!
Goals
"Students and staff are gaining a sense
of belonging to something bigger than
themselves and having a shared
purpose that they can move towards
and achieve"
Annotations:
- possibly, end this quote at "purpose" or "achieve"
"Allows students to
actively pursue goals
to make a lasting
change."
Incorporates School Grounds
"Fosters stewardship for the school
grounds and love for place: Learning
buddies pair up to do weekly yard
clean up, classes plant and weed the
garden and families volunteer to
mulch and water trees."
Understand Environmental Issues
"Students become aware of
environmental issues that may be
affecting their school grounds or
neighbouring green spaces."
Networking Opportunities
"Gives teachers an
opportunity to share
experiences, lessons,
resources across curriculum
areas."
Curriculum Connections
"The activities can be used to cover various
aspects of the curriculum - seeing the interactions
of the parts helps students understand the cause
and effect relationships between humans and
their impact on the environment, as well as the
impact of the environment on us."
Learning to Make a Difference
"Students realize that what
they do matters, and that
they can make a positive
difference for the
environment – this will
motivate them to continue
such positive behaviours
outside of the school and
will hopefully influence
others to do the same."
Annotations:
- use this quote for student engagenment
"We have created a culture of
sustainability in our school. Our
students, staff, parents, visitors
recognize the issues and needs, and
all work together to ensure our
practices are embedded in our school
culture. Our environmental
education focus is now more about
who we are, and how we think, than
just what we do."
Annotations:
- this is great
Appreciation for Nature
"It allows the school
community to see their
connection to the larger city
and Earth communities"
"Allowing students to connect to the
environment in an easy-going, free
spirited way. Students gain mindfulness
and spiritual/mental health
development. "