Small Cape Breton school gets kudos for big environmental efforts
Students have learned about access to clean water and energy conservation
A small Cape Breton school is getting national recognition for its environmental efforts.
The Donkin School is the only school in Nova Scotia to receive eco-certification at the platinum level from EcoSchools Canada, a non-profit group focused on building sustainable communities.
The school has about 130 students ranging from pre-primary to Grade 8 and has undertaken many initiatives including community cleanups and energy conservation days.
"We turned off the lights for a day," said Grade 8 student Lukas Burke. "It was sweater day, for like turning down the heat."
The students have also been working in a community garden on the school's grounds. They planted tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and some trees, including plum, apple and peach trees.
The school also participated in an event called the Great Gulp to raise awareness about access to clean water on World Water Day. People could enter the competition by drinking tap water from a reusable water bottle and sharing a picture of themselves drinking it.
The school invited a Mi'kmaw elder for a traditional Grandmother Moon ceremony, which included a blessing of the water and teaching students the source of the water and the importance of having access to clean water.
Math and science teacher Brittney Melnick said she is proud of her school's efforts and is thrilled the school is being recognized. She said the school plans to continue to find new ways to be eco-friendly.
"Hard work, dedication and finally achieving something that we have been really working toward at the school," said Melnick of the certification.
"We are excited to see what opportunities this gives us in the coming years."
