EcoSchools Newsletter April 2018
ECOSCHOOLS NEWS
Doors Open: Platinum EcoSchools Tours

Proven environmental practices to inspire and encourage you and your colleagues! 

A Platinum EcoSchools Tour is an informal opportunity to share with colleagues how a school takes action to engage students as eco-leaders, teaches students about, for and in the environment and strives to reduce its environmental impact through whole school practices and routines. The school tour highlights areas of strength and growth, so that visiting participants can learn from the host school's experiences.

Platinum EcoSchools Tours:

Several Platinum EcoSchools are opening up their doors after school to share best practices, highlight EcoSchools certification "look-fors", and set aside time for questions and discussion so that you and your team can learn how to build or enhance your environmental program.  

Register on Key to Learn for any of the following sessions:

Date
Time
School
Host
Wednesday, April 18th
4:30 - 5:30 pm Willowdale Middle School

Dan Rawlinson
Thursday, May 3rd 4:00 - 5:00 pm Dr. Norman Bethune CI

Judy Tutchener
Wednesday, May 9th 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Hollywood PS Andrew Steele
Wednesday, May 16th 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Cresthaven PS Nancy Gillis
Wednesday, May 23rd 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Claude Watson School for the Arts

Ian Handscomb
Thursday, May 31st 4:30 - 5:30 pm
McKee PS Bonnie Chu

Questions? Contact Pam.Miller@tdsb.on.ca 
OISE / UofT Environmental and Sustainability Education Speaker Series
EcoSchools Section 5: Questions 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7 and Section 6: Questions 6.3 and 6.5



TDSB educators are invited to participate in  OISE / UofT Environmental and Sustainability Education's Speaker Series. Be inspired by a wide range of topics and expertise broadening your knowledge of environmental and ecological literacy. Participating TDSB educators and OISE teacher candidates will have opportunities to deepen their EcoSchools network as well as meet and learn beside other passionate practitioners. 

Most events are free, however, TDSB staff please register on  Key to Learn for each session.

Contact: Pam Miller at  pam.miller@tdsb.on.ca for more information.

Spring 2018 Events:

Project WET Workshop
Presenter: Bonnie Anderson, Project WET Foundation
Date: Saturday, May 26th 
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: UTS 371 Bloor St. W
Cost: Free
Register on Key to Learn by May 21st

Are you looking for fresh ways to integrate water education into your teaching?  Project WET is a fun, hands-on, inquiry-based approach for K-12 educators. This interactive daylong workshop, led by experienced outdoor educator Bonnie Anderson, will introduce you to some of the issues surrounding water and to activities to address them with students. Participants will receive the Project WET Activity Guides as part of the workshop.

Indigenous Education in the Humber Valley Workshop
Presenter: Alan Colley
Date: Saturday, June 9th
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Humber River,  Étienne Brûlé Park
Register  on Key to Learn by June 4th

Join Indigenous knowledge-keeper Alan Colley for a half-day program of land-based learning in the Humber Valley. Alan will lead a Teaching Circle and walking tour to share his extensive knowledge of the plants and wildlife along the river. Given its rich history and ecology, the Humber River is an excellent place to learn about Indigenous Ways of Knowing, science, geography, and so much more! 
Pollinating Partnerships - Tuesday, June 12th
EcoSchools Section 6: Questions 6.3


Who has the best EcoSchools ideas?  What are your eco-victories this year? Join us as TDSB teachers share the benefits and challenges of environmental learning in their classrooms, and celebrate the success stories of EcoSchools' teams across Toronto. 

This annual year-end event includes a Learning Carousel, Partner Exhibits, and a Keynote talk about the power of nature-based learning from Bill Kilburn

This free event is open to all TDSB staff.

R egister on  Key to Learn  and search Pollinating Partnerships.

Date: Tuesday, June 12th
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Where: OISE Library, 252 Bloor St. W
Questions: Contact Pam.Miller@tdsb.on.ca
A light dinner is provided -- please bring your own dish ware. 
Environmental Education AQ Course--Parts 1, 2 & 3
EcoSchools Section 5: Questions 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7

Want to expand your knowledge and practice of environmental education? 

The TDSB has partnered with OISE to offer university certification courses in Environmental Education to Early Childhood Educators, elementary and secondary teachers. These interdisciplinary AQ courses take an inquiry-based, experiential approach to explore what it means to learn about, for, and in the environment using both in-class and on-line learning.
TDSB participants are eligible to receive a subsidy after completion of each course. 

Environmental education is central to teaching and learning in the 21st century; climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation are all pres sing contemporary societal issues that require an educational response. This course provides an engaging introduction to teaching and learning in environmental education for both elementary and secondary teachers through a combination of lectures, workshops, outdoor and experiential learning, field trips and guest speakers. It offers maximum flexibility for participants' learning needs through a blended course format (in-class and on-line hours).

Summer Session: Part's 1, 2, and 3 are being offered at the University of Toronto St. George Campus. Part 1 is taught by Hilary Inwood, OISE Lecturer, Part 2 is taught by Pam Miller, TDSB EcoSchools Instructional Leader and Part 3 is taught by Beth Lisser, VP David Suzuki SS.

Delivery: 125 Hours Blended Part 1 and 2: In-Class July 3rd - 13th Monday - Friday,  9:00 am-3:30 pm. Online July 3rd - 20th. 
Part 3: In Class July 5th - 17th Monday - Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm. Online July 3rd - 20th.

Register with OISE by June 26th, 2018.

Contact Pam.Miller@tdsb.on.ca to ensure a spot on the TDSB subsidy list.
EVENTS
April 21st: Ward 20 Earth Day EcoFair
EcoSchools Section 6: Questions 6.4, and 6.5

How do I contribute to a greener planet?

Calling all environmental champions!! Trustee Manna Wong and the schools of Ward 20 would like to invite the community to attend their Eco Fair.  

This event will serve as an opportunity to inform and inspire people to make greener choices in their homes and communities and appreciate the great work of our young environmental stewards. Please join us in celebrating their leadership and validating their innovative ideas! The format will include, themed presentations, display booths, activities, trivia games, local environmental group displays, and a community BBQ (bring your refillable water bottle).
 
Date: Saturday, April 21st
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
April 22nd: Earth Day POP-UP Adventure Playground
EcoSchools Section 6: Questions 6.5, and 6.6








Consume Less, Play More!

Join Earth Day Canada staff for a family-focused event intended to highlight the link between outdoor play, physical literacy and environmental action.

At the Springfree for Earth Day POP-UP Adventure Playground, children will be provided with an environment which allows them to truly be kids - without the distraction of screens and technology - and encourages them to exercise self-reliance and creativity to have fun.

Date: Sunday, April 22nd
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Register now for Bike to School Week
EcoSchools Section 6: Questions 6.2 and 6.5


Let's get rolling!
 
Join students and teachers across the province in celebrating Bike to School Week from May 28th to June 1st. The week beginning on the last Monday of May is the official Bike to School Week at the TDSB.


About the event:

Bike to School Week is a celebration of active transportation and biking and builds on the success of  Bike Month (May 28th - June 30th). Schools participate in Bike to School Week by encouraging their students to walk and roll to school, and by holding events both inside and outside the classroom to promote the benefits of active transportation. Visit the  Getting Started web page for ideas on how to promote and implement your event.
 
Campaign incentives:
 
Be sure to register soon TDSB schools that  register by Friday, May 4th, will be eligible to receive a large reusable  Trip Tracking Poster(while supplies last). The tracking poster will help recognize students who come to school by an active mode of transportation and to count their trips. 
 
How schools register: Visit the  Bike to School week website and complete the registration form. *Schools that register their events and complete the school reporting survey by Friday, June 15th will receive a certificate of participation.
May 4th, Call for Submissions: Planet in Focus Student Environmental Film Festival--Grades K-8

EcoSchools Section 1: Question 1.6; Section 5: Questions 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, and 5.9

Changing Thinking: EcoFilm stories from our elementary schools

Planet in Focus invites students to make short films (maximum 4 minutes) on important environmental topics that they care about to inspire others to see the world through new eyes. What are your students doing to help the planet?
 
Selected films will be screened at the Bloor Cinema on Thursday, June 7th in celebration of UN World Environment Day. Schools can submit a maximum of 3 films for consideration. 
All TDSB K-8 Elementary schools are welcome to submit a film for consideration to the Gala Film Festival.
 
Genres: animation, comedy, drama, live action, PSA
Format: MOV or WMV
Submission deadline: Friday, May 4th  
Questions: Contact  Alessandra Cannito at alessandra@planetinfocus.org

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS
May 11th: EcoLinks 2018 Conference Environmental Education in the 21st Century
EcoSchools Section 6: Question 6.3

Hands on workshops by educators, for educators

Interested in teaching curriculum through an environmental lens? 

Date: Friday, May 11th 
Green Teacher Magazine Subscription Access
EcoSchools Section 5: Questions, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7 

A Better World Through Free Trade

Green Teacher offer perspectives on the role of education in creating a sustainable future, practical articles and ready to use activities for various age levels, and reviews of dozens of new educational resources.

Access the magazine here and use these codes:
Username: subscriber /  Password: 113path 

Please remember! Teachers are asked not to share the contents of this issue with educators outside of their school, as this would undermine the viability of this small, non-profit organization. 
   
Stay connected--follow us on twitter and share your great environmental initiatives with us!  @EcoSchoolsTDSB