Monsignor Leo Cleary CES growing towards platinum Eco School status

Jan. 20, 2025

Last year, Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School in Courtice received a $2,500 EcoSchools Canada award.

Now, the school is using the money to help it become a platinum Eco School.

According to EcoSchools Canada, platinum is the highest level of certification and a challenge that it recommends for schools that are ready to take on diverse environmental actions and engage their community.

“These are the activities that we have used our award on,” said Ava Valliere, a Grade 5 student at Monsignor Leo Cleary CES and a leader with the Eco Club. “We used lots of hands-on learning, as it provides students with a deeper understanding and makes the experience a more fun way to learn rather than listening to some people talk the whole time.”

Raised Garden Bed

The first project was to build a raised garden bed in the kindergarten yard. Kindergarten students worked alongside secondary school students from nearby Holy Trinity to construct the bed, add soil, and plant seeds. This experience introduced them to the basics of gardening and helped them learn about plant growth and care.

Natural Space in Backfield

Next, the school transformed a corner of the backfield into a natural space with the help of the Eco Club. Students planted trees and shrubs, donated by Witzke’s Greenhouse in Courtice. The project taught students about planting techniques and the importance of green spaces in the ecosystem.

Learning about Worms

On Thursday (Jan. 16, 2025), the school invited Pure Life Soil to teach the students about the role of worms in nature. Through an informative presentation and hands-on activities, students learned about different worm species, their lifecycle, and how they contribute to soil health.

Pure Life Soil also provided the school with a worm compost.

What’s Next?

In the spring, the school plans to build birdhouses and a butterfly habitat, expanding its commitment to environmental education.