Congratulations to all the certified EcoSchools in Saskatchewan, who led the way in environmental learning and action across the province in the 2023-24 school year. These schools joined a national and international movement of schools that now spans 1,790 schools in Canada and thousands more across 73 countries worldwide.
Since 2005, EcoSchools Canada has partnered with over 5,000 schools to cultivate student leaders, foster environmental education, and support climate action. Schools earn certification by creating an EcoTeam (environmental club) and taking action to reduce energy and waste, plant trees and gardens, and run sustainable transportation initiatives. EcoSchools Canada’s national program recently arrived in Saskatchewan and, alongside established partners Saskoutdoors and Environment and Climate Change Canada, they reached over 4,000 students and 6 schools became certified this year. These collaborations aim to enhance environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable practices throughout Saskatchewan.
Chantelle and Pearleen celebrating EcoSchools certification at Chief Little Pine School
Certified Schools in Saskatchewan 2023-24:
- Chief Little Pine School, Paynton
- Bulyea Elementary School, Bulyea
- Lawson Heights, Saskatoon
- Ecole College Park, Saskatoon
- Buena Vista School, Saskatoon
- Englefeld School, Englefeld
One standout success this year is Buena Vista School, where students engaged in comprehensive tree-planting activities. They assessed and pruned schoolyard trees while learning about tree care through observation and artistic expression. Students explored the benefits of trees, such as providing shade and habitat, and learned about urban tree planting processes. Additionally, they visited a pollinator garden to study mulch’s role in water conservation and invasive species prevention and planted edible plants while connecting to Indigenous sustainable resource use practices.
Join the EcoSchools Movement
EcoSchools Canada invites all K-12 schools in Saskatchewan to participate in the program next year. By joining, schools can contribute to a nationwide effort to promote environmental education, student leadership, and climate action. For more information on how to get involved, visit ecoschools.ca.
Quotes
“The enthusiasm and engagement shown by the students during outdoor learning activities has been remarkable. From tree and spinach planting, and year-long recycling efforts to community cleanups, their dedication to sustainability and community involvement has been inspiring. In about twenty years we will see the fruit of their labour as they planted spruce trees to create an additional windbreak to our mini cultural outdoor learning space”. Pearleen Kanewopasikot, M.Ed, Teacher at Chief Little Pine School
“It has been an exceptional experience to share the EcoSchools Canada platform and programming with schools in Saskatchewan this year! This is our very first year celebrating certifications! SaskOutdoors strives to provide professional learning opportunities and meaningful contact with nature. This partnership with Ecoschools is a great fit! Watching schools engage in environmental action and outdoor learning, collaborate between classrooms and make a noticeable impact in their communities is truly inspiring”. Chantelle Edwards – Climate Education Program Officer, SaskOutdoors
Quick Facts
- For the 2023-24 school year, Saskatchewan EcoSchools achieved 508 waste-free lunches.
- 4,487 Saskatchewan students were reached by the EcoSchools program in the 2023-24 school year.
- EcoSchools Canada is an award-winning environmental education and certification program that empowers schools across the country to nurture environmental leaders, reduce their ecological footprint, and build environmentally responsible communities. All publicly funded schools can access the EcoSchools program free of charge.