The local public and Catholic school boards are teaming up in an effort to make their schools more environmentally friendly.
The Lambton Kent District School Board and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board have partnered to participate in The Green Team initiative. The team will be comprised of students, principals, teachers, Facility Services staff and representatives from senior administration at both boards, who will identify opportunities and implement initiatives to improve environmental performance at area schools.
“This is an exciting new initiative, which puts student voice at the forefront as we work collaboratively to reduce our carbon footprint and make our schools more eco-friendly,” said Scott Johnson, director of education for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, in a news release. “Through this important work, the Green Team will also be helping to raise awareness about the steps we can all take to reduce harm to the environment, not just in our schools, but in our communities and our homes, too.”
As part of the initiative, the team will develop sub-committees to involve the community outside of the school boards. The Green Team plans to draw upon the expertise of Indigenous representatives, parents/guardians and community representatives, curriculum leaders, childcare partners, instructional leaders and pastoral representatives.
“We are looking forward to the planning and action steps developed by the Green Team to promote sustainability and increase awareness throughout our school communities about the importance of sustainable stewardship of our resources and environment,” said John Howitt, director of education for the Lambton Kent District School Board.
The Green Team, which is being organized and led by Environmental Coordinator Taylor Maris, held its first meeting digitally on Wednesday.
