St-Laurent Academy is committed to environmental education. With Environmental concerns looming across the planet, we are committed to enabling our students to be part of the solution. Environmental responsibility is a theme woven into many of our subjects and activities. Science facilities updated in 2016 to meet the need of our demanding curriculum include an in-school greenhouse and butterfly conservatory, and a chemistry lab.
Our secondary school offers a wide range of science-based credits. Our hands-on approach is realized through project-based learning at the Macoun Marsh Outdoor Classroom, where our students study biodiversity and practice environmental stewardship. The Macoun Marsh Project, developed by our Science teacher Mr. Michael Léveillé, has been tremendously successful, winning awards nationally and internationally. All of our students learn about and contribute to this project. Our senior students take a special interest and have a more direct involvement. Some of them have had the opportunity to present the Macoun Marsh Project to Dr. David Suzuki and renowned scientist Jane Goodall, as well as at International events in Sweden and Norway.
In 2007, Mr. Léveille, founded www.biodiversitymatters.org, a not-for profit environmental organization committed to engaging youth in biodiversity Internationally. Since its inception, it has attracted the attention of partners worldwide, and broadens our school’s involvement with environmental groups and projects worldwide. Each year St-Laurent Academy, as a founding partner of biodiversitymatters, focuses on one key biodiversity related project.
In 2008/09 the school hosted the Second International Youth Symposium For Biodiversity, here in Ottawa. Youth from 9 countries around the world took part in various environmental workshops and meetings over a 5 day period.
In the 2009/10 school year, our students were part of the development of an International Youth Accord for Biodiversity. Along with youth from countries around the world, St-Laurent Academy students shaped a document that was presented to the United Nations at COP 10, in Japan.
This year we are developing and contributing to an international blog between youth groups to encourage youth to speak out about the environment.
“I want to empower my students with a sense of responsibility. Young people need to know that the environmental condition of our planet is not hopeless. We can celebrate on
e little ecosystem at a time. Wetlands are a key part of our environment, and they are part of what sustainable development is all about. They affect human health, and the overall health of our world. We are proud of what our students are doing.”
Michael Léveillé, Science Teacher, St-Laurent Academy
