SD51 Appreciative Inquiry “Greener Schools Initiative”

Attendees at the first meeting, 1pm Sunday January 11, 2009 at the Station Pub…

Here is a summary of the first Green Schools Initiative meeting held on
Sunday for those of you that were unable to attend.

In attendance: Bryan Romaine (mechanic, SD#51), Doug Zorn (Boundary Regional Agricultural Society), Jeanette Hanlon (Secretary Treasurer, SD #51), Andrew Green (BCSS), Brian Taylor (Mayor of GF), Peter Matheson (BC Sustainability Energy Association, Kootenay Chapter), Christine Grossutti (Climate Action Facilitator for the Ministry of Environment/City of GF), Jessie McGraw (BCSS)

What kinds of things are happening in the schools already?
-anti-idling signs and awareness
-recycling programs (at various levels)
-composting (in a few schools at various levels)
-letters of support from two Principals to begin the grant application process

How can we improve?
-contact RDKB and see how recycling efforts could be improved within our schools
-look into different composting options for the grass clippings and food waste for every school
-increase communications between schools and community resources

Where do we start?
-establish at least two contact people from each school including maintenance and school board office to liason between local resources and the schools
-get the Principals of each school to write a letter of support to start the grant application process
-develop local resources and contact list

It is important to have all Principals "on board" . Not with the intent of creating more work for them, but there are many grant applications that can not be made without their support in writing. It is equally important that we get the okay from each Principal to promote, encourage and educate students and teachers within their respective schools on green issues.

Next meeting, 2pm Friday February 13, 2009 at the Station Pub

Internet resources for developing gardens and green initiatives at schools…

Earth Day 2009—Top 10 Actions…to help the environment http://www.earthday.ca/pub/resources/top10.php

School Garden Wizard—plan for success
http://216.248.206.131/wizard/plan/

LifeCyles Project Society—Cultivating communites, Growing schools
http://www.lifecylesproject.ca/initiatives/growing_schools/school_garden.php

Northwest College Indigenous Gardens, Terrace campus—Nancy Mackin & Edosdi
http://www.nwcc.bc.ca/Marketing/Newsroom/Public/ViewRelease.cfm

Secwepemc Ethnobotanical Garden—promoting understanding of Secwepemc language, culture and use of native plants
http://www.secwepemc.org/SECethnogardens2/index.htm

For current minutes and important updates click here.