SUSTAINABILITY in Action
This year marked significant progress in our journey toward whole-school sustainability , both in terms of working towards reducing our environmental footprint , and continuing to educate students about climate change and sustainability issues .
The physical space and educational programming at Crofton House are both important components of wholeschool sustainability , which is a vital element of our strategic plan , Thriving in Possibility , and its strategies of Active Stewardship and Purposeful Learning .
This year , we undertook a physical space sustainability audit , along with scope and sequence mapping related to knowledge , skills and attitudes connected to ecological literacy and sustainability education . These are two important steps in understanding where we are — and where we want to go .
A SHARED PRIORITY
In addition to the audit and mapping work , the shared priority of sustainability could be seen in actions across the campus — from our Board and our students and teachers , to our food services and gardening teams . Some important examples include :
• Board Focus : This year , the Board and the senior leadership team ’ s annual retreat focused on Active Stewardship , with a particular spotlight on environmental sustainability in school operations , stewardship of the property , and education ; this retreat provided an opportunity to learn more about the sustainability audit and ecological literacy , and to have discussions about the School ’ s path forward in these areas
• Professional Development : Junior and Senior School staff took part in several professional development opportunities focused on sustainability , including eight staff from the Junior and Senior Schools who participated in The Collaborative , a Climate Change Professional Development Series through the
Independent School Association of BC ( ISABC )
• Food Waste Reduction : SAGE Dining Services ’ Usage Program , which is designed to reduce food waste , from procurement through preparation to dining , continued for a second year
• Woods Restoration : In 2022 , efforts began to restore and preserve the Woods on campus ; under the direction of Marc Steward , Head Gardener , the work continued this year , with additional protected areas created and native plants introduced
• ISABC Student Sustainability Conference : Several Senior and Junior School students took part in the ISABC student sustainability conference organized by Jasmine Hare , Teacher , Ivy Compass Program , Junior School
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