Seven Oaks students take climate action

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/11/2019 (2119 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Inspired by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg — and after attending the Winnipeg version of the Global Climate Strike  — students of the Seven Oaks School Division are pressing on to develop practices to help combat to the climate crisis.

Wanting to be part of the urgent call to action, students and staff of the Seven Oaks Met School and H.C. Avery Middle School are taking the lead and making changes to address climate change.

On Nov. 25, the two schools, along with some others, will make a presentation to the Seven Oaks school board. Some of the items being suggested include: declaring a climate emergency, transitioning to electric buses, banning single-use plastics, the adoption of climate crisis education in all classrooms, and the support for more green practices in our schools.

Aiming to be a model school, the Seven Oaks Met School has been a leader —making a documentary on the Winnipeg climate strikes, not using any single-use plastics, and offering a plant-based option for its breakfast program. A series of student-led projects are planned, including fundraising an electric van and building a solar and aquaponic farm.

“We would like to be the first ‘off-grid’ fully self-sustaining school in Manitoba,” said Met School principal Nancy Janelle.

H.C. Avery Middle School has been very proactive in green initiatives and food security practices.

“Our successful farm club is a collaborative learning project for students, educators, parents and the community to connect, share knowledge and traditions for a sustainable future,” said principal Adam Hildebrandt.

Last June, H.C. Avery hosted its first student farmers’ market, which transforms learning in the classrooms through growing food, community involvement and citizenship — empowering students to be agents for change for themselves and the larger community.

Three weeks ago, 11,000 global scientists described the clear, actionable changes governments and societies need to make to address the climate crisis. The students of the world are taking action, and it’s time to let them lead us.

Derek Dabee is a member of the board of trustees of Seven Oaks School Division and a community correspondent for The Maples. You can contact him at ddabee@mymts.net