TOGETHER IN FAITH Care for Our Common Home A collection of school board practices - Ontario ...
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TOGETHER IN FAITH
Care for Our Common Home
A collection of school board practices
1
MISSION
STATEMENT
Inspired by the Gospel, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’
Association provides the provincial voice, leadership and service
for elected Catholic school trustees to promote and protect
publicly funded Catholic education in Ontario.
VISION
STATEMENT
Ontario is enriched by a publicly funded Catholic education
system governed by locally elected Catholic school trustees
who serve with faith, commitment and compassion.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Mission and Vision
Send forth your spirit, O Lord , Page 2
and renew the face of the Earth.”
— Psalm 104 Message from the President
Page 7
Message from the Executive
Director
Page 9
A Prayer for Our Earth
Page 11
2
Forward. Journey Together Collaborate and Engage Nicene Creed
In Faith System Level Page 47
Page 12 Page 18
A Christian Prayer in
Care for Our Common Home Collaborate and Engage Union With Creation
Page 14 School Level Page 49
Page 26
Collaborate and Engage. Celebrate and Pray
Communicate and Connect, All Things Bright and Beautiful System Level
Celebrate and Pray Page 35 Page 50
Page 15
Communicate and Connect Celebrate and Pray
The Canticle of Creation, System Level School Level
St. Francis of Assisi Page 36 Page 54
Page 17
Communicate and Connect
School Level
Page 42
3
We have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must
integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear the cry of the earth
and the cry of the poor.” (Laudato si’, 49)
4
5
The kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and
becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)
6
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
PATRICK DALY
The entire universe, in its wholeness, manifests the inexhaustible richness
of God. Each creature has importance and meaning within the entirety
of God’s plan. (LS, 86).
Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato si’ (Praise be to You) on Care for Our
Common Home calls upon the entire global community to recognize how
every person is profoundly connected and dependent on one another, as well as on the natural world
in which we all live. He states that a great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before
us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal (LS, 202). This year marks the fifth
anniversary of his encyclical letter addressed ‘to every person living on this planet,” urgently calling on
each one of us for an international ecological conversion.
As a Provincial Catholic School Trustees’ organization, we are called to ask ourselves, ‘How can Catholic
schools shine a light on the Creation teachings and raise the consciousness that, “We are all creatures
of one family” (St. Francis of Assisi)? Pope Francis’ recent message at the International Congress for
Catholic Education spoke specifically on Laudato si’ and the collaboration needed between families,
Catholic schools and the world to educate for solidarity, humanism and the safeguarding of creation.
“Catholic educational institutions,” Pope Francis said in his message, “We cannot fail to include
ecological education, which promotes a covenant between humanity and the environment.” The
Bishops of Ontario, in their pastoral letter Renewing the Promise, remind us that, “Catholic Schools
are places where children and young people encounter Jesus.” To honour Creation and our Creator
through acts of service for the Earth is a magnificent testimony to this calling.
The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association is committed to doing all we can to assist our
member boards in promoting our collective responsibility to serve as good stewards of God’s Creation.
Each of our Catholic school boards have outstanding, promising practices supporting environmental
awareness and stewardship of Creation. In recognition of the 5th anniversary of Laudato si’, we invited
school boards across the province to submit their great works in collaborating, communicating and
celebrating their stewardship for creation, and we are grateful for their exemplary submissions.
It is our prayer that these pages have captured your great contributions and serves to renew and
strengthen our commitment to the environment and the whole of Creation.
Yours very truly,
Patrick J. Daly
President
7
We have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must
integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear the cry of the earth
and the cry of the poor.” (Laudato si’, 49)
8
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NICK MILANETTI
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life
of virtue.” (LS, 217)
To honour the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’, and to
carry forth his urgent plea to each one of us for an ecological conversion to
‘care for our common home,’ the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association
has created this Together in Faith: Collection of School Board Practices summary document.
Stewardship of Creation is fundamental to each of our 29 Catholic school boards in Ontario, and it is
clear that each board is steadfast in their commitment to teaching about Creation and the Creator. The
submissions provided to this document demonstrate significant fidelity to social justice, environmental
awareness and long-term sustainability of the Earth. However, we know we have so much more to do.
I would like to personally thank each of our school boards for sharing their exemplary practice
to create this Together in Faith: Care for Our Common Home document. This celebration of great
environmental practices in our boards will aid in our mutual learning and support of each other to
generate new ideas. As Pope Francis said, “Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies,
aimed at implementing a culture of care and an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring
dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.”
Reflecting on these pages reminds me of our great blessings as a Catholic Trustee organization, to
come together and take action in solidarity on this important work inspired by Pope Francis. Our
trustees in communion with our students, families and staffs are connected in this mission to bring
love and respect to each one of us as living creatures depending on one another, and ultimately
restoring hope for the future.
Yours in Catholic Education
Nick Milanetti
Executive Director
9
We must therefore encourage and support the ‘ecological conversion’ which
in recent decades has made humanity more sensitive to the catastrophe to
which it has been heading.” — Pope St. John Paul II
10A PRAYER FOR OUR EARTH
All-powerful God, You are present in the whole
universe and in the smallest of Your Creatures.
You embrace with Your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of Your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers
and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the
abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in Your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the
world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for
gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each living thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature as we journey towards
Your infinite light.
We thank You for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace. Amen.
– Pope Francis
11FORWARD
JOURNEY TOGETHER IN FAITH
“The Earth is the Lord’s and all it
contains, the world, and those who
dwell in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
The Book of Genesis reveals that we are not
simply ‘earthly;’ we also bear within us the
‘breath of life’ that comes from God. Genesis
reminds us that every creation that God
made, reveals God’s goodness and that all
creation reveals something about God, who
created it. Each one of us is called to go to
the Garden and take care of it and cultivate it,
(Genesis 2:15).
Pope Francis, from his earliest beginnings,
has consistently called upon all people to
protect the environment and be stewards
of Creation. In his Inauguration Homily
on March 19, 2013 he stated, “Let us be
‘protectors’ of creation, protectors of God’s
plan inscribed in Nature, protectors of one
another and of the environment.” In his
2015 encyclical, Laudato si’ or “Praise be
to You,” Pope Francis indicated we “exist
only in relationships: with God the creator,
with our brothers and sisters as members
of a common family and with all of God’s
creatures within our common home.”
Pope Francis reminds us that we live in this
common home as one human family in
biodiversity with God’s other creatures.
In his World Day of Prayer for the Care of
Creation message, Pope Francis called out,
“All Powerful God, you are present in the
whole universe and in the smallest of your
creatures. Teach us to recognize that we are
profoundly united with every creature as we
journey towards Your infinite light.” In his
12message for the 50th anniversary of Earth
Day, Pope Francis renewed his commitment
to Laudato si’, again taking the opportunity
to teach us about Creation and our need to
protect it, saying: “Today we celebrate Earth
Day. I exhort everyone to see the world
through the eyes of God the Creator: the
earth is an environment to be safeguarded,
a garden to be cultivated. The relationship of
mankind with nature must not be conducted
with greed, manipulation and exploitation,
but it must conserve the divine harmony that
exists between creature and Creation within
the logic of respect and care, so it can be put
to the service of our brothers, also of future
generations.”
This 5th Anniversary of Laudato si’, Pope
Francis confirms that we have sinned against
the Creator and our Holy Ground. He
indicated we have failed in our responsibility
to be guardians and stewards of the earth
by polluting it, despoiling it, and endangering
our very lives. Pope Francis calls on all of us
to restore God’s home by working in solidarity
to renew, repair and restore a harmonious
relationship with God, His creation and with
the rest of humanity. Pope Francis urges
each one of us to “long-term action plans
to practice integral ecology in our families,
parishes and dioceses, religious orders,
our schools and universities.” The Ontario
Catholic School Trustees’ Association has
responded by collecting strategic actions
across the 29 school boards promoting
Stewardship of Creation, so we can share and
support each other in this Papal call to action.
13CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME
JOURNEY TOGETHER IN FAITH
Welcome to OCSTA’s Together in Faith:
Care for our Common Home collection of
school board practices. These activities
and prayers aim to help us come to a new
understanding of Laudato si’ and the whole
of Creation. This package will provide
school boards and educators with ideas
and resources to guide their students in
analyzing and responding to environmental
sustainability issues locally in their schools
and communities.
This “Together in Faith” summary reminds us
of our responsibility to care for our common
home bridging moments of awe and
contemplation from Pope Francis’ Laudato
si’ and the Bishops of Ontario Renewing the
Promise. Pope Francis affirms that the entire
material universe speaks of God’s love,
his boundless affection for us…soil, water,
mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress
of God.” ( LS, 84). The Bishops of Ontario
affirm that we are “forming joyful disciples,
with hearts and minds opened to the
transforming love of God and to the flame of
faith in action” (Renewing the Promise, pg. 13).
Our Catholic schools must be instruments
for God and answer the call to collaborate,
communicate and celebrate an ecological
conversion transforming their relationship
with the world around them.
It is hoped that in providing these promising
practices, that schools and districts can work
in partnership with parishes and families to
reflect on effective ways to continue their
stewardship of Creation. The Promising
Practices are organized into System Practices
and School Based Practices. They are listed in
ways that schools and systems: Collaborate
and Engage, Communicate and Connect
and Celebrate and Pray.
14COLLABORATE COMMUNICATE CELEBRATE
AND ENGAGE AND CONNECT AND PRAY
Pope Francis calls upon us to Pope Francis pleads to all people Pope Francis calls us to celebrate
collaborate, saying, “the entire on Earth to communicate about all of Creation, as there is a mystical
global community must recognize our common home on Earth, “I meaning to be found in a leaf, in
how every person is profoundly urgently appeal, then, for a new a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in
connected and dependent on one dialogue about how we are shaping a poor person’s face. (LS, 233) He
another, as well as on the natural the future of our planet. We need reveals that because all creatures
world in which we all live.” He a conversation that includes are connected, each must be
states that a great cultural, spiritual everyone, since the environmental cherished with love and respect,
and educational challenge stands challenge we are undergoing, and for all of us as living creatures
before us, and it will demand that its human roots, concern and depend on one another. The
we set out on the long path of affect us all” (LS, 14). In Renewing Bishops of Ontario in Renewing
renewal (LS, 202). The Bishops of the Promise, we are reminded of the Promise remind us that we are
Ontario call upon us to “Encourage the importance of Accompaniment all Joyful Disciples. We find Joy in
Engagement and Instil Hope.” and Building Relationships. While the Gospel and come together to
We are reminded in the story of walking together, Jesus was able celebrate our faith, our Creation
the Road to Emmaus, that the to share the story of our faith with and our Creator. Just as the
disciples were given the strength the disciples. Similarly, our Catholic disciples were excited to celebrate
to share the Good News and schools are communities of their joy in encountering Jesus on
engage with their community. We accompaniment, where Jesus walks the Road to Emmaus, we too can
must intentionally collaborate and with us each day revealing stories create opportunities to encounter
engage, to create opportunities to of Creation and salvation. Jesus in the daily lives of our
work together to promote, share, students and celebrate the joy of
and develop experiences that God in all Creation.
Let the words of my mouth and
help in the formation of stewards
the meditation of my heart be
of Creation, who give witness to
acceptable in your sight, O Lord, Oh Lord, how many are your
Catholic Social Teachings.
my rock and my redeemer. works! In wisdom you’ve made
(Psalm 19:14) them all; the earth is full of your
May the favour of the Lord our riches. (Psalm 104:24)
God rest on us; establish the
work of our hands for us — yes
establish the work of our hands.
(Psalm 90:17)
15You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain,
for so you have ordained it...they shout for joy and sing.”
— Psalm 65:9-13
16THE CANTICLE OF CREATION
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God, to you
belong praise, glory, honour and all blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation and
especially for our Brother Sun, who brings us
the day and the light; he is strong and shines
magnificently. O Lord, we think of you when we
look at him.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon, and for the
stars which you have set shining and lovely in the
heavens. Be praised, my Lord, for our Brothers
Wind and Air and every kind of weather by which
you, Lord, uphold life in all your creatures.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water, who is very
useful to us, and humble and precious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire, through
whom you give us light in the darkness: he is
bright and lively and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us, bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds and flowers of
many colours.
Be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for
love of you; and for those who bear sickness and
weakness in peace and patience - you will grant
them a crown.
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death, whom
we must all face. I praise and bless you, Lord, and I
give thanks to you, and I will serve you in
all humility.
17Humankind is called to co-create, so that we might cultivate the earthly,
and thereby create the heavenly.” — St. Hildegard of Bingen
COLLABORATE AND ENGAGE
SYSTEM LEVEL
Considerations for creating opportunities to work together to promote, share and develop
experiences that help in the formation of responsible citizens who give witness to promoting
environmental stewardship, mobilizing students to take action, connection to Laudato si’.
• System Wide Faith Day. Connect dates: St Francis of Assisi Day, • Chaplains and Faith
faith activities with environmental Earth Day, etc. Ambassadors. School staff leads
awareness, scripture and • Growing in Faith, Growing in who help to establish EcoSchools
action days centred around Christ. Curriculum updates are and Development and Peace
sustaining the earth, for all given regularly to parish staff, curriculum related to Laudato si’
staff, Parent Council Chairs, and school system as they relate within their community.
Trustees and Priests and Parish to environmental goals of Board • Professional Development.
Representatives. Improvement Plan (BIP). Sessions offered within Families
• Ontario Catholic School • Pastoral Planning Days. of Schools supporting all board
Graduate Expectations. Use Organized with the Bishop and staff to participate in professional
these powerful shared symbols pastors focused on sustaining development experiences
such as Responsible Citizen, as a the earth. focused on environmental,
launching point for stewardship sustainability, Indigenous and
• System Level Indigenous
programming and environmental climate education.
Advisory Council. Serve together
awareness. • Develop Resources. Develop
with the staff to build knowledge
• Liturgical Calendar. Chaplaincy about our keepers and helpers. resources related to the
Leaders and Faith Ambassadors Partner together to increase environment for schools and
work closely with their connections to our natural world teachers (i.e., approval process/
local parish priest to create from a holistic perspective. policy for planting trees on school
opportunities for environmental grounds), connection to Laudato
focus in the board around special si’, curriculum-linked lesson plans,
18sharing of local resources (i.e., • Environmental Awareness to demonstrate focus on the
community organizations), board- Events. Parents, schools environment and stewardship for
wide events. and pastors continue to the Earth.
• Webpage. Creating a Board provide support for special • Parent Involvement
webpage dedicated to events organized around the Committees. Share board goals
EcoSchools that shares a variety environment such as opening with PIC to build awareness of
of environmental resources and of Peace Gardens, Earth Day, environmental stewardship and
support tools for schools. planting trees, etc. support these practical goals
• Presentations. Religion • Social Justice. The collection and at home.
department and Facilities donation of funds to support • EcoSchools Certification.
Services can provide regular parishes and charities (i.e., Support schools within your
updates on EcoSchools environmental/climate justice). board to certify with the
certification and environmental • Connection to Curriculum. EcoSchools program.
initiatives taking place across the Ensure programming and • EcoSchools Board
board. curriculum goals in the area of Representative: Assign a board-
• Partnerships. Develop the Environment are a priority level staff to support EcoSchools
partnerships to nurture and for the Board. Invite the certification and environmental
support Catholic causes within Supervisory Officer to visit initiatives within the board.
your community (i.e., local classrooms engaged in
• Become a member with
environmental organizations, environmental activities.
EcoSchools Canada:
municipality/region, other • Evening Environment Becoming a member board
community partners/members, Workshops. Prepared and with EcoSchools Canada
academic institutions, etc.). delivered with the Diocese and provides additional support
• Board Strategic Plan. Ensure held at the Church or Board to school boards and their
Caring for our Common Home office. Include presentations schools. This includes access
is part of our Strategic plan on Laudato si’ environmental to the EcoSchools Certification
and invite clergy to serve in sustainability workshops, etc. Application through a group
this visioning and planning
partnership, as a key priority of Catholic Education Week Events. Activities are prepared
the Board and our faith. and done in collaboration with the local parishes promoting
environmental stewardship events and campaigns.
• System EcoTeam. Committees at
the system level are focused on
Environmental/Sustainability. • Community Outreach. Engage administrator account and to
in activities in the community data populated in the EcoSchools
• Design of New Schools. Design
to demonstrate our shared Certification Application by
and construction of school
responsibility as a community schools (i.e., number of waste
buildings are environmentally
to be stewards of the Earth, (i.e., audits completed, campaign
responsible and use resources
garbage pick-up days, plant a tree participation numbers, carbon
efficiently.
days, etc). dioxide emissions, etc.)
• Catholic Education Week Membership also provides access
• EcoFair. Evening Environmental
Events. Activities are prepared to exclusive support tools and
Awareness Carousels organized
and done in collaboration with resources designed to improve
by the Board Environmental
the local parishes promoting overall school performance,
committee which includes
environmental stewardship enhanced certification support
schools sharing various projects
events and campaigns. and guidance from EcoSchools
and programming information
19Canada staff, and a detailed • Trustee Faith Formation collaboration with Development
year-end report with analysis, Activities. Regular presentations and Peace, our Chaplaincy
achievements, comparisons and retreats for trustees on Leaders, and a committee
and recommendations listed. environmental awareness and of Principals, Vice Principals,
• Interschool Environmental Environmental responsibility. Teachers, and Religious
Committee. Supporting peer • Prayer. Encourage prayer for Education Central Staff. Each
learning and collaboration the Earth at different times school sends a few student
between schools through an throughout the year and during representatives for the day to
Inter-school environmental morning announcements. engage in a variety of educational
committee. activities and experiences that
• Adult Faith Formation. Promote
they bring back to their school
• Funding. Providing funding faith opportunities for adults in
communities to share with their
to EcoTeams/schools for the board to come to a fuller
classmates.
environmental initiatives. understanding of the theology
• Drama Training with Gruppo
Jobel. Gruppo Jobel is an
Prayer. Encourage prayer for the Earth at different times
organization from Italy that
throughout the year and during morning announcements.
came to North America in 2018.
behind Laudato si’ and the They incorporate the use of
• Targets. Establishing board-wide
urgency to be intentional about drama, dance and movement
sustainability and engagement
caring for our common home. to engage the students in the
targets and setting annual
teachings of Laudato Si. Their
certification targets over • Joint Youth Ministry Meetings.
programs range from 1 to 5 days.
multiple years Board staff including Chaplains
This program has lessons for
• Eco Café. Boards provide an and Consultants focusing on
Elementary, Intermediate and
opportunity for students to environmental awareness and
Secondary classes. These lessons
participate in a fun event learning global citizenship.
are founded in and reflect the
about the environment and • Parish Committees. Catholic United Nations Sustainable
sustainability events. Sessions Parent Involvement Committee or Development Goals. More
may be hosted by the school EcoTeams within schools creates information is located on their
EcoTeam and are open to staff, opportunities to bring faith website www.gruppojobel.org.
parents and others. formation opportunities centred
• Environmental Stewardship
• Deanery Meetings. Share on environmental awareness to
Committee. This committee
updates between the clergy and parish communities.
meets 3 to 4 times a year to
associated Catholic schools on • SEAC. Include the participation of review educational programs
priorities around Caring for our SEAC organizations in the board’s like EcoSchools, Planning and
Common Home. goals around sustainability of the Facilities implementation of
• Environment Retreats. The Earth energy savings, and other
Religion and Family Life • Peace and Justice Conference. concerns that come up like
Department collaborates with This conference reflects and the use of single use plastics in
the parish to introduce emphasizes the teachings of schools and litterless lunches and
Leadership Retreats on One conference is specifically snacks.
Environmental stewardship and for Elementary students and • ‘Backpack Loaning’ Program.
its connection to scripture and the other is for Intermediate/ Designed for Elementary
care for the Earth. Secondary students. These students. This provides
conferences are planned in manipulatives and resources
20(both tactile and digital) to help • Composting Programs. Board- • Outdoor and Environmental
with experiential learning about wide campaign to ensure Education Position. To provide
birds, geology and trees. composting exists in our individualized school support,
• Learning for Sustainability Elementary Schools with sample past and present, board created
Platform. Online resources and lessons provided centrally a Special Assignment Teacher
webinars for educators to build by teaching and learning position for Outdoor and
capacity. When environmental consultants. Environmental Education.
awareness opportunities arise • Multiple Water Filling Stations • Environmental Education
from the Bishops of Ontario, have been installed in every Management and Advisory
Ontario Science Centre, or school and at the Board Office. Committee (EEMAC). EEMAC
other partner institutions, these Many of these units display meets bi-annually and is
are shared with our teachers how many plastic bottles have comprised of the following
as professional learning been saved by the use of these representatives: one Board
opportunities on the portal. stations. In the schools, students Trustee; one Superintendent;
• Electronics Recycling at the are encouraged to bring refillable the Controller of Plant and
Board Level. Once technology water bottles. Maintenance; the OEE SAT; the
becomes antiquated or beyond • Environmental Awareness Religion and Family Life SAT; one
repair, the items are sent to the for CDSB events: There is an elementary and one secondary
Board Office to be disposed emphasis at School Board administrator; one elementary
of properly. Some of the items Professional Development and one secondary teacher; one
recycled do generate some sessions, and other meetings, at custodian. The role of EEMAC
income as well. the Catholic Education Centre is to ‘hear’ from the system and
on using compostable plates, to provide supports based on
• Outdoor Education Grant funds
reusable cutlery, water jugs, need and innovation. EEMAC
from the Ministry of Education to
cream and milk in carafes. has a conference planning sub-
enhance student learning (K-12).
committee for the Best Foot
• World Wildlife Federation • Environmental Virtual Webinars.
Forward Eco-Conference (BFF)
(WWF). Participate in national A series of webinars developed
for educators and parents • Social Justice Committee. Meets
and international initiatives like
5 times a year and 2 of the
National Sweater Day or Earth • Conservations Centres. Working
committee’s top priorities are
Hour. with partnerships with local
the response to the Laudato Si
and Water as a Fundamental
Electronics recycling at the Board Level. Once technology
Human Right. The committee
becomes antiquated or beyond repair, the items are sent to
is comprised of Trustee,
the Board Office to be disposed of properly. Some of the items
Superintendent, Co-ordinator
recycled do generate some income as well.
and SAT of Religious and Family
Life Education, Indigenous
• University Partnerships: conservation authorities to
Advisory Committee Member,
Elementary School has a develop a variety of outdoor
Principals, Teachers, Educational
partnership with University’s education programs and
Assistant, Child and Youth
Environmental Studies students. opportunities.
Worker, Chaplaincy Leaders and
This provides an opportunity • Outdoor Education applications. Archdiocese Representation.
where they create a school plan For our School Communities to The goal of the committee is to
together. This also involves the improve their outdoor space. promote best practices around
parents and guardians of the the Social Justice Priorities.
students.
21• Annual environmental intend to certify as an EcoSchool, awareness and initiatives back to
education conference. This and complete a survey. their school communities.
‘Best Foot Forward’ conference • Teacher Professional Learning • EcoSchools Lead. Each school
takes place at an outdoor and sessions to learn about environ- identifies an EcoSchools Lead
environmental education centre. mental awareness and using the who assumes responsibility
The conference begins with outdoors for teaching. Five online for updating the EcoSchools
an opening prayer, traditional sessions are offered each with a database reflecting activities
drumming and the presentation different theme. Recordings of completed at the school level to
of certification awards and gifts each session are made available achieve certification. EcoSchools
to our workshop presenters. for others to watch at their leads are connected by
During the conference all school convenience. networking groups to share best
leads and their student Eco Team practices and strategies.
• ‘Our Common Home
leads rotate through a series of
Symposium’ Eco Leads and • EcoSchools Certification
workshops designed to support
their school teams gather for Working Group Sessions. To
each pillar of the EcoSchools’
a celebration of ‘Our Common support schools in achieving
program.
Home.’ The symposium brings EcoSchools Certification and to
• Director’s Monthly Memo. elementary and secondary school assist in uploading relevant data
The Director’s monthly bulletin teams together to celebrate into the EcoSchools database,
includes activities that were the beauty and wonder of we offer EcoSchools Certification
celebrated at schools. our planet. This symposium Working Group Sessions to which
Eco Leads are invited. and allows
ECO Kits for teachers: Teachers can be eligible for a classroom Eco Leads to share ideas and
kit if they attend one online session about environmental receive support in entering their
awareness, intend to certify as an EcoSchool, and complete data.
a survey.
• Our Common Home,
Stewardship and Sustainable
• Board Website: Dedicate allows schools to showcase Practices Conference: The Eco
prominent space on the board their achievements over the Teams from schools who have
website where schools have their year and continue to support achieved platinum or gold status
school and board current Eco each other’s Eco initiatives. in their Eco Schools Certification
information. First Nations and Indigenous are invited to prepare a
• Catholic Board Improvement peoples are recognized for the demonstration or display of
Learning Cycle. With increased important impact that they have innovative practices or activities
focused attention on stewardship on our common home. School they have used to promote
of resources, promote practices Teams set up displays, listen stewardship and sustainable
that value the sacredness of to a presentation on ‘Water is practices in their school and
Creation; enhance engagement Life’ and participate in a variety Eco Teams from schools across
of schools and community of workshops and breakout the board are invited to visit the
partners and parishes and sessions. demonstrations and displays and
increase operational and • Virtual Learning Opportunities. learn from one another. The day
customer service quality. The School Board Environmental also includes a keynote address
• ECO Kits for teachers: Teachers Team provides opportunities on topics including single use
can be eligible for a classroom kit for our educators and students plastics, the water cycle, recycling,
if they attend one online session to be inspired to continue their etc.
about environmental awareness, work bringing environmental
22• Board-Wide Environmental stakeholder groups (Board and Education curriculum and
Campaigns: The Board school staff, students, unions, program, and each school has
establishes a board-wide focus parents). The committee is at least one Enviro-Rep who is
as a common effort to identify working towards a three- the environmental lead within
effective practices in Stewardship year sustainability plan, while the school and coordinates
and Sustainable Practices. continuing to promote the EcoSchools certification
Examples of this include: The environmental awareness, application.
‘It’s the Last Straw’ campaign, and support campaigns and • Water Declaration: Beginning
which focuses on identifying and initiatives. on Thanksgiving 2020 the board
minimizing the use of single • Natural Kindergarten worked with GCT#3 in the
use plastics in all schools and Playground design. Schools have promotion of their Nibi (water)
board sites. collaborated on the components, declaration and incorporated a
water blessing in our thanksgiving
Outdoor Classroom Installation. The Board has prepared a prayer along with the posting
menu of different styles of outdoor classrooms for schools to of Water Declaration posters in
choose from when school generated funding is allocated to an each school.
outdoor classroom. The Board and school connect to decide on
• Recycle and Trash Bins. Large
best location and additional features, and Board absorbs any
bins are brought in to be
additional “soft” costs for additional design/engineering.
painted, every few years or so,
to encourage the community to
• Facilities Department. Planning layout and themes for their reduce, reuse, recycle.
consideration is given to natural kindergarten playground
• Workshops and Presentations.
waste and fair trade, recycling refurbishment (or installation at
Organized for all families of
programs, and reducing new schools) for the last 5 years.
schools to educate and empower
consumption. School/ classrooms • Outdoor Classroom Installation. students and teachers with the
collaborate with local energy The Board has prepared a menu knowledge, skills, perspective and
and waste companies to of different styles of outdoor desire to act as environmentally
help understand and reduce classrooms for schools to choose responsible citizens.
electricity consumption and from when school generated
waste production. Our facilities • Catholic Education Centre
funding is allocated to an
department supports schools (CEC) action. CEC sponsors
outdoor classroom. The Board
that wish to participate in local and participates in Board wide
and school connect to decide
campaigns to reduce heat and environmentally responsible
on best location and additional
electricity consumption. We have programs (Earth Hour, Earth
features, and Board absorbs
also installed sensors to support Week, Recycle Your Electronics,
any additional ‘soft’ costs for
lights off. Schools run lights out/ etc.) addressing pressing
additional design/engineering.
monitors off campaigns (e.g., environmental issues through
• Social and Ecological daily action.
energy hog) to remind students
Responsibility in Education
and staff of energy consumption; • Regular Custodial Training.
(SERE) Committee was formed
challenging each other in fun and Provided system PA Day
to oversee and implement the
engaging activities and award workshops to custodial staff
Board’s environment policy
systems. on topics such as our call
• Religion and Family Life to Stewardship of Creation
• ‘Stewards of Sustainability’
Curriculum: Stewardship of through waste minimization,
Committee. The Board’s
Creation is an integral part of recycling, organics and energy
committee has an increase in
the Religion and Family Life conservation.
membership from numerous
23• Environmental Symposium: As God’s children, we have a stewardship (this is paused due
Each year, organize an responsibility to care for all of to COVID-19). Throughout the
environmental symposium that God’s creations. We must live as COVID-19 Pandemic, the Board
encourages outdoor education Stewards of the earth, protecting has promoted and encouraged
and environmental sustainability, our environment. Through the schools to participate in healthy
inviting local agencies to run monthly value of Stewardship, waste free lunches to join our
activities and workshops for schools complete monthly efforts and reduce the waste we
students and teachers. These prayers, liturgies and classroom are bringing into our schools and
partners include conservation lesson plans. buildings.
authorities, outdoor education • Outdoor Learning • Capital Projects. Boards can
facilities, and Indigenous Opportunities. Outdoor ensure that capital projects utilize
Knowledge-keepers and Elders. classrooms and trails have energy efficient equipment and
We continue to do so this year, given students the opportunity processes to minimize use of
but virtually. to make deep and meaningful resources. This includes LED
lighting conversions to ensure
Stewardship Month. As a school board, we come together to schools have the most efficient
celebrate a different value each month. In April the monthly lighting system possible. Use
value is stewardship. As God’s children, we have a responsibility of Energy Recovery Ventilators
to care for all of God’s creations. We must live as Stewards of the to ensure the most efficient
earth, protecting our environment. Through the monthly value operation/heat recovery of new
of Stewardship, schools complete monthly prayers, liturgies and ventilation systems; Use of high
classroom lesson plans. efficiency condensing boilers to
ensure maximum reduction in
• Invitation to Conversation: The connections to their learning and the consumption of fuels; Use of
Director, together with central the natural world around them. variable frequency drives (VFDs)
staff, worked with students We know outdoor learning is to ensure efficient operation
representing each regional critical in supporting the whole of large motors; Improve the
area of our district to listen to child and promoting a holistic R value of building envelopes
their voices related to concerns education that challenges specifically the insulation value
with respect to environmental students to be more self-aware in roof assemblies and R value of
sustainability. Through their and have an appreciation for windows.
efforts, they successfully all that is living. Through the • Efficient and Green Initiatives:
presented two recommended outdoor classrooms, students are All schools and buildings use
actions wherein all schools and working on their team building, a web-based building control
the board would be committed communication and collaborative system to efficiently manage
to the actions stated in Pope skills while fostering lifelong love and monitor building heating,
Francis’ Encyclical and adopt for the outdoors. Many of our ventilation and lighting systems.
a commitment to greater schools have these dedicated This includes managing building
ecological sustainability in all of spaces and we hope to continue schedules and use of set-back
its educational, strategic, and to grow this initiative. temperatures to minimize
corporate practices. • Recycling and Composting. All utilization of fuels and electricity.
• Stewardship Month. As a schools participate in a recycling Staff also utilize certified green
school board, we come together and composting program cleaning products and processes
to celebrate a different value often involving students as to minimize the use of chemicals
each month. In April the a means of diverting waste hazardous to the environment
monthly value is stewardship. and promoting environmental and people and to minimize
24waste. Environmental controls the Development and Peace Catholic Education Centre. At
and management processes are organization and others such as these well attended sessions,
in place to ensure that when local municipalities, not-for-profit teachers would learn about the
designated substances are organizations, charities, local EcoSchools Canada program,
identified and removed that all colleges and universities, and energy conservation initiatives,
safety protocols including proper businesses, to bring meaningful school ground greening
disposal are adhered to. and hands-on sustainability programs and a variety of other
• Connecting to Faith. The school experience. topical environmental programs.
board and Adult Faith Animator • School Community-Building The meetings also served as
connects our Catholic faith to Initiatives that support our a great way for Eco-teachers
all Eco initiatives. We empower common call to action in caring to network and share best
students to see themselves for the environment. [Installation practices.
as agents of change through of bike racks at all our schools; • The Environmental Services
social justice teachings, real Water filling stations to eliminate Department. Maintains a close
world application and integrated single use plastic; Organic Waste relationship with all of the local
curriculum explorations that collection] municipal EACs (Environmental
reflect Pope Francis’ message • Board Wide Spiritual Advisory Committees) and the
and call to action. We also Development Day. On theme of Regional EAC. Environmental
recognize the incredible gifts that Laudato si’ in 2019: Care for Each Services staff attend local EAC
culture, background, and identity Other, Care for our Common Home meetings on a regular basis
bring to this conversation. to learn of new initiatives and
• School Board Environmental
• Nurturing Our Catholic to collaborate on community
Representatives Association.
Community [NCC] Team. projects as required.
Operated provincially,
‘The Year of Laudato si’ is an through SBERA (School Board • School Ground Greening
integral part, and primary focus Environmental Representatives Partnership to facilitate
of the Nurturing Our Catholic Association) now part of The environmentally focused
Community (NCC) Team. Ontario Association of School enhancements to school
• Board Pastoral Plan. Integrate Board Officials (OASBO) as the grounds. This partnership allows
the teachings of Laudato si’ in the Environmental Sustainability the Board to access a designated
current pastoral plan Rooted in Committee or (ESC). The majority Landscape Architect to help
Christ: we Belong, we Believe, we of school boards in the province evaluate, design, and implement
Become. of Ontario have representation improvements on school
on this committee which meets grounds. The primary focus in
• EcoSchools Resource Teacher.
regularly throughout the school recent years has been design
Connects curriculum to Board
year and participates in the and planting of ‘tree groves’ to
initiatives like school greening
OASBO Annual Conference. help mitigate Urban Heat Islands
projects, net- zero initiatives,
Boards discuss the EcoSchools and the installation of outdoor
waste reduction and diversion,
programs, environmental classrooms. Partnerships of this
energy conservation and other
awareness, strategies, projects, kind reflect the importance of
eco-initiatives.
campaigns, activities and share environmental collaboration.
• Serving in Partnership. The
best practices.
Board consults and collaborates
with Catholic partners like the • Annual Environmental In-service
Loretto Sisters (IBVM), Sisters for Teachers. This invitational
of St. Joseph, the Mary Ward after school workshop is
Centre (Jesuit International) and conducted once a year at the
25The sun’s light that plays on the cedar trees, plays on each tiny flower as if it were the
only one in existence; and in the same way our Lord takes a special interest in each soul.”
— St. Therese of Lisieux
COLLABORATE AND ENGAGE
SCHOOL LEVEL
Considerations for creating opportunities to work together to promote, share and develop
experiences that help in the formation of responsible citizens who give witness to promoting
environmental stewardship, mobilizing students to take action, connection to Laudato si’.
• Growing in Faith, Growing about the interconnectedness • Catholic Partners. Partnering
in Christ. Prepare resources of Indigenous and Catholic with Catholic Women’s League/
that are available for all staff, teachings regarding Mother Knights of Columbus/Religious
students, parishes and families Earth through active listening Guild for various initiatives and
to support the Environmental and learning from our Knowledge events around environmental
programs in the school. Keeper and the Indigenous awareness and environmental
• School Improvement Plan (SIP) Education Advisory Committee. responsibility.
Meetings. Meet in the Fall to • Parent Outreach Grants. Schools • Parent Information Evenings.
schedule meetings with EcoTeam, encourage these grants for Set up information kiosks in
parents, partners, municipalities, school councils to engage with the gym to be shared with
clergy to review environmental their parishes on environmental parents and community on
goals for the year. initiatives at school and on Environmental awareness
• Social Justice work. At Christmas, school grounds (i.e., fundraising campaigns.
Thanksgiving and Easter, Earth for an outdoor classroom or • Promotion of Parish and
Day, etc., connect outreach to the prizes to run a waste-free lunch School Eco Life. Advertise and
environment and sustainability campaign). promote each other’s events
of the Earth, in conjunction with • Parish Priest Visits. Invite clergy and celebrations happening in
the parishes into the schools to talk about the schools and in our churches
• Indigenous Connections. Environment and Pope Francis’ around Caring for Our Common
Schools being intentional call to Care for Our Common Home.
Home.
26• Volunteer Luncheons. Invite • Church Youth Group. School • Pilgrimages to various locations
clergy and Eco Team to attend student advisors meet with highlighting the importance of
and be recognized for their parish and school staff to walking as opposed to taking a
dedication to environmental determine needs in planning vehicle to get from location to
awareness activities, organized by community environment location.
School Council and staff. stewardship activities. • School Based Pastoral Plan
• Food in School Programs. • Active Green Teams. These goals challenged schools to
Preparation and service of a teams are developed in each engage in stewardship for
school breakfast program to school to promote a robust creation understandings and
create less waste during the recycling program and litterless activities.
breakfast program or school lunches. • Principal and Pastor Meetings.
meetings (i.e., set of reusable • Nature Club. Schools host a Gathering framed by Laudato si’.
service wear/cutlery/glasses). nature club including gardening Highlight the work of schools that
• Social Justice and Charity Drives. and ongoing environmental work. reflected this call to action. Build
Done at the school to support • Environmental Council. Student capacity of stakeholders (staff,
environmental sustainability in Council (student government) students, deanery members) of
collaboration with the school and meets each month to discuss Laudato Si and its importance in
parish. school based and board our work such as sweater day,
• Student-Led Youth Eco Team. sponsored monthly campaigns food drives, soup kitchens, daily
Students lead Eco Team as part that focus on various aspects of breakfast programs.
of their leadership formation care for the earth. • EcoSchools Certification.
and regularly update the student • Chaplains and Faith Participation in the EcoSchools
body and parents on initiatives, Ambassadors. Staff leads who program allows students,
fundraising and outreach help to promote the learnings of teachers, school administrators,
activities. Laudato si’ in schools within their custodians, and parents to get
• School Calendars. Parents, community. a clear picture of their current
Eco Team, clergy and school
principals have formalized Nature Club. Schools host a nature club including gardening
meetings in June to prepare and ongoing environmental work.
calendars for the upcoming
year to integrate environmental • Inter-School Green Council.
actions/campaigns/assemblies environmental practices.
Inter-School Stewardship and
throughout the year. Each year, schools apply for
Sustainable Practices Council
certification by undertaking
• Movie Nights. Support an provides staff and students
environmental actions,
environmental themed movie with opportunities to engage
campaigns, and projects, and
night which could also be used as in a variety of networking and
then recording them in the
a fundraiser for an environmental professional development
online EcoSchools Certification
initiative at the school. sessions with various outside
Application (ECA) to earn
• Whole School Assemblies. agencies.
points. For students, the
Opportunity to present and • Daily Prayers that also include program provides opportunities
collaborate on environmental reflections and meditations on for leadership, connection
initiatives (e.g., Development and care for our common home with classmates in different
Peace). relating to Indigenous themes grade levels via peer-to-peer
as well. mentorship, and a way to learn
27about sustainability while having to run a variety of initiatives and shared on our Staff Portal.
fun. For teachers, the EcoSchools related to caring for the Earth • Community Partnerships and
program integrates seamlessly and sustainability. Communications. Engage
with curricula and provides the • Participation in the Ontario students in fun and innovative
tools, resources, and framework Network for Education initiatives (donating to community
to initiate environmental learning partnership. This provides the kitchens, battery/printer cartridge
in the classroom and across the opportunity to establish and use disposal programs, etc.)
whole school. tower gardens (both aeroponic • Indigenous Partnerships.
In partnership with our local
Collaboration with Community Organizations, City and Town
First Nation community,
Councils. To engage in special environmental projects such as
schools are creating a safe
building a butterfly garden; planting pollinator gardens; cleaning
outdoor learning space where
community parks; building raised garden beds at a local food
students will celebrate and
bank etc.
learn together for many years
to come. Part of the outdoor
and vermiculture) for both learning space will include a
Partnerships
Elementary and Intermediate/ sacred medicine garden. Here
• Catholic Charities. Work with Secondary Schools. the garden will include the
local charities to promote
• Collaboration with Science sacred medicines found locally,
opportunities for environmental
Centres. To provide educational in the Anishinaabe territory.
awareness campaigns, such as
programming that teaches about Students will also learn about:
St. Vincent de Paul, St. Jude
local wildlife and environment. Anishinaabemowin vocabulary
Council, ShareLife, Development
• Development and Peace’s related to these medicines;
and Peace, etc.
Laudato si’ program. This traditional harvesting of the
• Community Support medicines; the uses of these
educational program has
Environmental Program. Staff medicines; Wheel teachings;
provided the opportunity to
helping to connect schools connection to nature (planting
create synergy between Laudato
with community partners and harvesting); giving thanks to
si’, EcoSchools certification, and
(i.e., conservation authorities, God, the Creator and gratitude to
the Catholic Social Teaching of
municipalities, etc.) to find Mother Earth; outdoor education
Care for God’s Creation. Skills
funding opportunities to support and experiential learning. Our
and activities are required for the
environmental initiatives (i.e., tree experiential learning leader
successful completion of badges
planting, outdoor classrooms, works with teachers and students
in this program.
etc.). to extend learning outdoors,
• Fall in Love with the Outdoors
• Collaboration with Community particularly through our
Day. This is a professional
Organizations, City and Town Kindergarten program. Outdoor
development opportunity
Councils. To engage in special experiential learning inquiries
for educators which is highly
environmental projects such have been planned focused
popular and well attended.
as building a butterfly garden; on caring for the environment,
There are many cross curricular
planting pollinator gardens; Mother Earth and God’s creation
opportunities for educators
cleaning community parks; using key provocations and
to integrate various aspects of
building raised garden beds at a exploring the natural settings in
nature and outdoor education
local food bank etc. our local community (i.e., forests,
into their teaching disciplines.
trails and local ponds).
• Faith in Action Teams. Faith in The teacher resources created
Action Teams work with parishes for this day have been curated • Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
28and Helpers. Partner with families for such things as paved • TERRA Program. Multi-credit
students and families in our pathway, additional sidewalks for ecology leadership program
school community to increase walking and partnerships in solar for Grade 10. Situated on
connections to our natural schools from nearby subdivision the property of the Ignatius
world from a holistic Indigenous approaching busy traffic junction. Jesuit Centre, students use
perspective. Nature as Teacher, engage
CONNECTION TO with faith leaders within the
• Fall Harvest Activities. To learn
CURRICULUM AND CLASS Jesuit Community on the
of the traditional practices of
LESSONS property, understand the
respect for what one harvests
and the practices of the • Curriculum: Schools build role of community leaders in
harvesting itself. environmental awareness sustainability and social justice,
through different courses; as well as incorporate teachings
• Local Partnerships: Many
religion, science, outdoor from Laudato si’ and Evangelii
schools are connecting with
ed, indigenous studies, etc., Gaudium.
local partners to build and grow
clean the school campus and • Lenten Campaign. Focusing on
vegetables and flower gardens.
neighbourhood. ecological conversion, lesson
Local families contribute and
help maintain these gardens. • Environment Credit Course. plans and system wide prayer
Natural spaces and outdoor In secondary school a credit services have been aligned to
learning spaces are encouraged created locally on Environment support that learning - Nurturing
in all schools to support Awareness due to demand from Hope: Reconciling with the Land
mental health and well-being. students. and Each Other.
Schools collaborate with local
conservation agencies to learn Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Helpers. Partner with
and help develop and maintain students and families in our school community to increase
natural areas. We try to support connections to our natural world from a wholistic Indigenous
schools with central funding in perspective.
various projects that encourage
cross-school collaborations and • Field Trips are undertaken so • Outdoor Education Classes.
local partnership projects. students can hear first-hand the Land based learning is
• Ignatius Jesuit Centre. Partner impact of water use. central using the trees and
with organizations such as trails surrounding the school
• Forest school trained. Schools
Ignatius Jesuit Centre in the supporting the forest.
regularly spend learning
development of a program to time in local forests for both • Trapping: As we live in a trapping
teacher students about the Old kindergarten and their Grade 6 area, students are exposed
Growth Forest and learn about to 8 students. to how that plays out in both
Laudato si’ and our care of our traditional Anishinaabe life and
• Curriculum Classes offered in
common home. in care for the earth through
the Science Department (Science
• Ministry of Natural Resources. presentations at Pow Wow island
and the Environment).
Invited to the schools to do by a local trapper.
• Focus on Nature. Students
various presentations about our • Communities become
work with volunteers to take
area and its care. classrooms. Involving natural,
photographs in nature in
• Walking Routes: In partnership built and cultural environments
their neighbourhoods and
with the Township, advocated (community gardens, revitalized
develop final project. Focus is
heavily to encourage and improve school ground greening,
on the beauty of nature in our
active transportation for our tree planting programs, etc.)
surroundings.
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