Runnymede Gold Eco-School Initiatives

The Green Team 

One of the major emphases of our Eco-School program is our Green Team of student ambassadors. This group of more than 60 junior students is responsible for overseeing many of our environmental goals throughout the school:  

• They visit classrooms to make pupils aware of good practices to follow. Their checklists include: lights off wherever possible, correct separation of garbage and recycling, and the use of both sides of the paper.    
• They publicize our green initiatives through their announcements on the P.A. and the posters that they create for environmental events.
• They assist with energy and waste audits.
• They participate in environmental programs promoted in the school such as the Junk Art Contest, Earth Hour, and Earth Week.

Walk to School Wednesdays -  Runnymede often participates in International Walk to School Day in October, showcasing the positive aspects of exercise on our fitness levels and on the environment. This huge event has inspired further related activities with Walk to School Wednesdays throughout the spring months.

Earth Hour and Earth Day - Earth Hour (minimal power usage) and Earth Day are dates for reflection and celebration at Runnymede.

Junk Art - One person's junk is another person's treasure, and that adage holds true each March at Runnymede. Students create fanciful sculptures from throw-away or recyclable materials and raise awareness of the sheer amount of trash that usually goes straight to the landfill. 

The Nature Garden - Runnymede School is fortunate to have a naturalized hillside garden which offers a year-round teaching resource and outdoor haven. On a designated Saturday each Spring and Fall, droves of families, neighbours, staff, and students come out to revitalize the garden by planting and pruning. Eco-art activities are provided for young children, and the amphitheatre is the location of the Earth Day concert. Teachers can also use the variety of creative ideas published in our Garden resource book, “Teaching in Our Schoolyard” as a basis for learning in our outdoor classroom.