This month, Rainbow District School Board invites students and staff to Go Blue in support of water awareness and conservation. This environmental challenge coincides with Canada Water Week, a national celebration of water that takes place from March 21st to 27th and coincides with World Water Day which was held on March 22nd.
Water awareness and conservation highlights the importance of freshwater, fisheries conservation, glacier preservation and sustainable water use.
“Water is an invaluable resource necessary for the survival of all living things,” says Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “We use water for many daily activities – often without thinking about the environmental impact of our consumption habits.”
He adds: “This month’s environmental challenge provides an opportunity to educate students about the importance of water in our everyday lives.”
The Go Blue initiative involves a few components: to only drink water during World Water Day, participate in The Great Gulp, to research the importance of protecting our water supply, and to find ways to conserve water at home and at school.
Students will take part in a variety of activities designed to explore their personal water consumption habits. Students will also learn about the connection between water consumption and critical issues such as global warming, the rarity of fresh water, and inequities with fresh water and social justice.
Educators were given various resources to encourage meaningful dialogue from an Indigenous perspective, including videos of water teachings from Elder Nookomis Edna Manitowabi of Wiikwemikoong First Nation and the advocacy work of the late Anishinaabek Grandmother Nokomis Josephine “Biidaasige” Mandamin. Josephine is remembered for initiating a pathway for Water Walkers to continue to make our world a better place by respecting the water nibi.
Environmental benefits of water conservation include saving money and energy to pump, heat and treat water, protecting water resources, minimizing water pollution, and maintaining the health of aquatic environments.
Rainbow District School Board’s Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges to staff and students throughout the school year.
What will next month’s challenge be?
Submit News Tip
