March 19, 2014
Students and staff from Val Caron’s École secondaire catholique l’Horizon recently launched the new Éco H2O ecological project. This initiative, linked to the schools High Skills Specialist Major in health and wellness, will make the school community aware of the importance of drinking water in the course of a day while at the same time reducing the number of plastic bottles.
The instigator of this project aimed at altering drinking habits of this non-renewable resource is Horizon grade 12 student Yvon Clouthier. Created as part of a nutrition course, the project is supported by both school students and staff. A convincing presentation to his school’s student parliament and principal earned Yvon their commitment and financial support, enabling the purchase of 400 reusable stainless steel bottles for students and staff. Yvon also succeeded in having two additional water refill stations installed in the school.
Since the water refill stations display the number of times they are used, it is possible to estimate the number of plastic water bottles that will not be used. The project also benefits from the support of Val Caron’s Caisse populaire which will cover the cost of one of the refill stations.
“Equipped with these ecological tools, students and staff are set to go green and eliminate the consumption of 10,000 plastic water bottles before the end of the school year,” stated Mr. Brian Philipow, Principal at École secondaire catholique l’Horizon. “The student support for this ecological project is incredible. It is also a strong indicator of their willingness to contribute to the well-being of our community, helping to bring a shift in our consumption habits and take solid steps that will have a lasting impact.”
The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario offers a French Catholic Educational Program that is widely recognized for its excellence. The CSCNO provides a quality learning environment and academic program that runs from early childhood to adult education, with some 7,000 students in 27 elementary and 10 secondary schools.
INFO:
Paul de la Riva
Communications and Community Development Coordinator
Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario
(705) 673-5626, ext. 294
(705) 677-8195 – cell phone