Trinity College School recognized dedication to environmental sustainability during a special morning chapel service on Friday, May 27th. The ceremony included the results of the annual Recycle Challenge, Sustainability Awards and the presentation of the year-long Green Cup Challenge amongst Senior School houses, as well as a chance to reflect on some environmental initiatives from the year.
Trinity Environmental Action Club leaders Mika Romao Vandepol and Jade Barnard kicked off the event by reminding everyone of the goal of our TCS sustainability programs: to do “more good” (MOGO) for the environment, instead of just “less bad.” As Jade noted, “Every step that each of us takes is a step towards a better future and regenerated systems on our planet.”
One way we can all contribute to a better future is through proper recycling. Across campus, the housekeeping staff assists with auditing waste and recycling at several points throughout the year, and Senior School houses can vie for Green Cup points by recycling right. This year’s Recycle Challenge winners were Wright House (81% correct sorting) and Ketchum House (70% correct).
TEAC leaders were pleased to announce that, following Brent House’s win in the Polar Bear Day fundraising challenge in early April, the house has agreed on “Yarik” as the name for the bear being sponsored through WWF. Brent House leaders were presented with a stuffed polar bear in recognition of the win.
Ms. Cheyne Cole, who assists with the School’s sustainability programs, gave a shout-out to Ketchum House and Brent House for winning the Earth Day “recycled sculpture” contest, for their depictions of species at risk. She also welcomed some participants from the recent Vancouver Island eco-service trip to speak on that experience.
The presentation of Sustainability Awards honours leadership and service in areas such as being a green house rep, TEAC leader or sustainability steward. Twenty-four students received a tie denoting one year of service, and Emma Aitchison-Madill received a pin denoting two years of service. Special awards were presented to two students who have given three years of service and leadership to the School’s sustainability initiatives: Jade Barnard and Sarah Deleeuw. Click here for the full list of recipients.
Sarah, who is a sustainability steward, was pleased to present Headmaster Stuart Grainger with a plaque marking the School’s participation in the EcoSchools Canada certification program, the 11th year TCS has undertaken this internal audit process. Sarah explained, “This certification supports schools across Canada to be green schools. In years past, we certified at the silver and gold levels. We are really proud to announce that for the fifth year in a row we’ve submitted our documentation to certify at the platinum level.” The School anticipates receiving confirmation of its certification in June.
Following a presentation by TEAC providing some “MOGO” tips for sustainability over the summer, it was time for the presentation of the Green Cup Challenge trophy. All year long, houses have worked to obtain points through school-wide events and their own house-led initiatives. This year’s recipients of the Green Cup are Hodgetts House and Ketchum House!
Congratulations to everyone who has played a part in doing “MOGO” for our planet this year. As we navigate out of the pandemic and anticipate a return to more normal, we will look to deepen our commitment to sustainability in 2022-2023.
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- By Ms. Alison Elliott, TCS environmental coordinator
