We are excited to announce the start of ‘Eco Days’ at the OCSB, an initiative dedicated to fostering a culture of ecological responsibility and promoting sustainable practices. Our schools have many environmental initiatives underway. During the months of October, January, March, and May, we’ll highlight and celebrate some of this work. By celebrating Eco Days, we hope to deepen students’ understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the environment, equipping them with valuable skills to positively impact their communities and the planet.
The theme for October was “Take Me Outside”. It emphasized outdoor education and the importance of connecting with nature, encouraging classes to explore their local environments. Our educators found many different ways to incorporate learning with outdoor activities.
At St. Jerome School, grade 5 students delighted in the fall weather, playing in the vibrant leaves before kicking a soccer ball around the playground. They discovered that math is everywhere during a Math Scavenger Hunt in the yard and channeled their inner Andy Goldsworthy creating nature art. The St. Jerome Running Club took advantage of a lovely October day by hitting the streets surrounding their school, sharing their passion for running in the crisp autumn air.
Kindergarten students at Monsignor Paul Baxter collected and sorted leaves by colour, and later joined together in a nature scavenger hunt. Junior students at St. Stephen spent time observing nature around their yard and making connections with the land and our ancestors. While outside, Mrs. Mirabelli’s grade 4 and 5’s created inferencing riddles and shared imaginative ideas about how to redesign the schoolyard.
Meanwhile, at St. Benedict School, Kindergarten students rolled up their sleeves to clean their garden plots, preparing to plant garlic and create their own compost—a hands-on approach to sustainability.
Many of our high school students also tool their learning outdoors. The grade 11 math class at St. Matthew High School enjoyed the beautiful fall weather by playing a review game outside, nurturing their math skills and their mental health.
Immaculata High School’s Environmental Science SHSM students participated in the Cleaning the Capital Campaign, dedicating their time on October 23 to a 5km litter cleanup around their community. This group’s commitment to keeping Ottawa clean was evident as they filled ten garbage bags with litter, all while learning the importance of environmental advocacy and fostering a deep respect for both natural and urban ecosystems. With the support of the city, they were equipped with cleanup kits, ensuring their safety while making a tangible difference in their neighborhood.
