EcoSchools Canada in Alberta 
 December EcoNotes

Dear ,

You’re invited for an evening of holiday magic! Join us for an outdoor, in-person evening of fun and connection on December 16 with teachers in Calgary or the Capital Region who share your passion for environmental sustainability! Unwind for the holidays as you enjoy sipping a hot chocolate in the crisp winter air at Luminaria (Capital Region) or ZOOLIGHTS (Calgary). Request your free ticket today - EcoSchools get first dibs! 

This holiday season, give your school the gift of becoming an EcoSchool: Get your students involved in action projects that promote mental wellness and Indigenous learning by connecting students with caring for the natural world.  You’ll get access to the EcoSchools Canada actions and resources, and enjoy the support of our EcoSchools Canada in Alberta team.

For EcoSchools actions in the spirit of responsible consumption, Create Your Own Action and invite students to develop a wish list of local or reused items, or get creative with Repurposing and Innovative Recycling!

We’re hopeful that the biggest gift to end 2021 is gathering safely with friends and family!
December Calendar of Events

Bask in the holiday glow at Luminaria (Capital Region) or ZOOLIGHTS (Calgary) - join the ACEE team and EcoSchools teachers for an evening of sharing and connecting on December 16. Check out the calendar of events for more information and to request your free ticket while you can!  

As always, we invite you to reach out to our program managers to answer your questions and plan your next EcoSchools action together.

 
See Calendar
News
City of Calgary
Declares a Climate Emergency

The City of Calgary declared a Climate Emergency on November 15, 2021, joining many cities around the world, including Edmonton. Calgary schools, check out Calgary's Climate Program and register your school with EcoSchools Canada! EcoSchools actions directly support the City's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a climate resilient city.
Learn More
Customized Teacher Professional Learning Opportunities

Would you like to learn how EcoSchools actions can support learning around Indigenous perspectives, climate solutions, and more? 

Our team can provide virtual or in-person sessions (1 hour to 1 day) at no charge to schools in Calgary and the Capital Region, tailored to your school's needs and priorities. 

Virtual sessions are available across Alberta.
Request PD
Upcoming Convention Workshops

Keep an eye on our website for
inspiring and thought-provoking workshops
coming to a teacher convention near you.
Expect sessions about climate justice, youth
perspective, Indigeneous learning and
reconciliation, and the EcoSchools program at
GETCA, CCTCA, NCTCA, SWATCA, and more.

See Workshops
AYLEE Youth-Led Mentorship

The Alberta Youth Leaders for Environmental Education (AYLEE) are eager to support you and your students on your EcoSchools journey via the messaging app Slack.

Share your questions and receive tips, recommendations, and resources directly from AYLEE members.
Sign Up for Slack Access
Opportunities for Student Leaders
Youth Climate Action Chat
 

Join AYLEE (the Alberta Youth Leaders for Environmental Education) on Dec 15, 2021, at 5:30 pm, to discuss youth-led action projects and to share tips, resources, and your plans for the new year!
 
Sign Up for This Meeting
AYLEE Movie Night

On Dec 8, 2021, at 5 pm, grade 7-12 students and teachers are invited to join AYLEE to watch and discuss an environmental film!
Register for Movie Night
Highlighted Resources and Funding
Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant

The Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant honours the positive impact former Mayor Jack Leslie had on the city's environment, and is awarded to youth in Calgary who continue his efforts. Download the poster to put up at your School - and apply to fund your Food or Pollinator Garden, Tree Planting or other outdoor classroom initiative.

Applications will be accepted until January 14, 2022. Grants will be awarded in early February. 
Learn More
Action Project Funding

Learning for a Sustainable Future is funding student-led climate change/sustainability Action Projects: Secure up to $500 toward your EcoSchools Action Project!

Actions must be student-led and contribute to school or community sustainability — greening your schoolyard, reducing the community’s carbon footprint — the only limit is your students’ imagination!

Applications are due December 7. Funds will be awarded at the end of January.
Learn More
Support for Garden Projects

Interested in growing food with your students? Want to teach about the benefits of growing native plants, including pollination and carbon sequestration?

Contact Hands on Growing in Calgary or Little Green Thumbs in Edmonton to get your project started, earn points towards EcoSchools actions and help your students learn about World Soil Day on December 5.
Teaching in a Climate Crisis: Inquiring Minds, Key Conversations
EcoSchools in Action
Even the Youngest Students Helped at Highwood School
 

Highwood school earned Bronze certification in their very
first year with the EcoSchools program! Follow the link for a 7-minute story from Kindergarten teacher Angel about the EcoSchools actions that engaged Highwood’s kids in certification.

 
Watch Video
Further Resources
ACEE Newsletter

Want to know more about what’s going on in Environmental Education in Alberta?
Sign Up for ACEE's Newsletter
EcoSchools Canada in Alberta Website

Our website offers the latest information about current sessions, professional development opportunities, and local resources to support EcoSchools actions.
Visit Our Website
Grants and Contests

Check our grants and contests page for up-to-date student project funding opportunities. 
View Grants
Links to the Alberta Curriculum

To weave environmental sustainability into your everyday teaching, use our list of links between Alberta's K-9 Science and Social Studies curriculum and these sustainability themes:

  • Place and nature
  • Indigenous perspectives
  • Climate change
  • City of Calgary environmental strategies
View Links
Contact Our Team

As always, do not hesitate to contact us with your questions. 

  • Calgary, Central and Southern Alberta:                                     Email susan@abcee.org, or schedule a meeting.
  • Alberta Capital Region and Northern Alberta:                           Email melanie@abcee.org or schedule a meeting.
  • ÉcoÉcoles - en français:                                                                 Email marie@abcee.org or schedule a meeting.

We wish you a restorative winter break!

The EcoSchools Canada in Alberta Team - Lia, Melanie, Susan, and Marie with the Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

#195-14032 23 Avenue

Edmonton AB T6R 3L6

Click here to unsubscribe from this EcoNotes newsletter.

 Click here to opt out of all ACEE communications.