Webmaster: Chip Martin

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

 

The Katherine Anne Porter School believes that a healthy environment is necessary for the welfare of our society, our people and our planet.   We also recognize the impact that our operation has on the environment and are committed to minimizing the adverse environmental impacts by reducing pollution while enhancing positive environmental impacts through recycling sustainability and education.

We are especially committed to promoting the environment and raising awareness through the school’s curriculum.   Our aim is to instill in all our students and staff a sense of common ownership and responsibility for the school and its environment for the community and for the world.

Purchasing

When purchasing items, recyclable, recycled-content. Less toxic and locally produced products will be bought whenever possible, We will reduce the amount of supplies we use and only buy what we really need.

Paper

We will reduce the amount of paper used in the office. We will seek to only buy recycled and recyclable products.   No paper will be thrown away: as far as possible, everything will be recycled.

 

Communication

The school will reduce its use of paper by using double-sided copying where possible and sending single copies of memos etc.  Whenever possible, communication will be made verbally or electronically.

    

Waste Management and Recycling

The school shall develop a waste management plan for all aspects of its operation following the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle. Waste management will be considered when planning new courses or operations.  All paper and other products that can be recycled will be routinely collected for recycling.   When buying new products recyclability will be a big factor.

Resources and Energy Conservation

The school and board will develop a resource and energy conservation plan. We will reduce the amount of energy we use as much as possible.  Computers, light copiers and printers will be switched off when not in use. Heating and ventilation will be used effectively and efficiently with a reduction in energy consumption in mind.  The energy consumption of new equipment will be assessed when making purchasing decisions.

 

Food Services

When food or beverages are served in school buildings or on school property reusable dishes and containers will be used.  The cafeteria shall encourage the use of reusable dishes and cutlery and where possible use bulk serving over individual packaging.

 

Composting

The board will encourage waste-free lunches and composting of food scraps at all board sites.

 

Transportation

We will endeavor to promote environmentally friendly forms of transportation wherever possible, including incentives to cyclists and those who use public transportation.  The school will ensure that its vehicles are maintained and operated in a fashion that has the least impact on the environment. Unnecessary idling of school buses or other vehicles on school property will be discouraged. School vehicles will be maintained and operated to maximize their performance from an environmental point of view.  New vehicles will be assessed from an environmental perspective before purchase.  Other transport used for work purposes will be environmentally friendly as possible.

Maintaining and Cleaning

Cleaning and maintenance will be as environmentally friendly as possible.  Cleaning products and hygiene services will be assessed for their environmental performance.  Any refurbishment decisions will take the environment into account including decorating materials and furniture.

Pest Control

The school community shall be informed whenever pest control measures are to be taken.  Environmentally benign methods of pest control will be used where feasible.

Landscaping

The development of natural landscaping and wildlife habitats shall be encouraged on school property. Grounds-care procedures that reduce the use of chemicals, fertilizers and herbicides will be encouraged.

 

Staff Development

The school shall ensure that all employees are provided with instruction on environmental policy and practice.

Curriculum  

Environmental impact will be considered before curricula and/or resources are approved.  The global care of the earth shall be reflected in the curriculum of all subject/discipline areas. Environmental education shall take place.  Specific environmental education curricula will be encouraged and developed for each grade level.

The school will support environmental experiences that develop an environmental ethic in it’s students.

Teachers will be encouraged to heighten their awareness of environmental issues and develop teaching strategies that reflect this awareness.

The school will endeavor to make resources that will enhance the teaching of environmental issues available to teachers.

At the school level…

The community of the school will make a conscious effort to:

  • Reduce, reuse and recycle waste, conserve resources, preserve and enhance local environments, encourage parent and community involvement in environmental issues through ongoing communication, compost food scraps such as apple cores, fruit peels, etc., reduce the amount of paper used and consider environmental impact when engaging in fundraising activities.
  • Instill in students the desire to participate individually and collectively in environmental issues through appropriate classroom and school-wide activities at all levels.
  • Encourage teachers, in partnership with students, other teachers, principals, superintendents, the board and the community to develop multi-disciplinary programs to address environmental concerns.
  • Encourage teachers to increase their environmental awareness through attendance at conferences, workshops and other professional activities.
  • Construct and carry out a school environmental action plan.  Select representatives to monitor the school’s environmental action plan and provide the school community with a report one the successes and failures of the action plan.

 

At the community level…

  • The school will encourage the community to participate in the environmental education of pupils through field trips, guest speakers, parent involvement in schools and the formulation of environmental plans.
  • The school will promote its own involvement in local, municipal, provincial and international programs that promote good environmental practices (E.g., composting, recycling, community beautification, resource conservation and habitat improvement).
  • The school will promote continuing education programs related to environmental issues as they affect the school, home and business world.    

 

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