Last year, river enthusiasts from around the world came 
together for the seventh annual event. It was a great 
success, with millions of people involved from 
more than 60 countries. 

World Rivers Day is based on the incredible success of
BC Rivers Day in British Columbia, Canada which
celebrates its 31st anniversary this year - and a huge
celebration is planned there to commemorate that
event. 

Promoting River Stewardship
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world's
waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers
and strives to increase public awareness and
hopefully encourage the improved stewardship of
rivers around the world. Rivers in every country
face an array of threats, and only our active
involvement will ensure their health in the years
ahead. 

Join the Celebration!
World Rivers Day organizers encourage all of you
to come out and participate. In particular, consider
starting a Rivers Day event of your own, which
might range from a stream cleanup to a community
riverside celebration. And if you create an event, be
sure to tell us about it! We'll keep you posted in
the months ahead as new Rivers Day activities are
announced. 

International Partners
World Rivers Day is intended to compliment
the broader efforts of the United Nations
Water For Life Decade initiative and we look forward
to working closely with them in the months ahead to
promote this event and encourage new participants.
In launching World Rivers Day, we also greatly
appreciated the support of the United Nations
University and the International Network on Water,
Environment, and Health.

Important links:

World Rivers Day Web Site

Rivers Institute at BCIT

 BC Rivers Day Web Site

United Nations “Water For Life Decade” 

The May 2012 issue includes:

1.    Ministry Update: BC’s Green Economy

3.    School Districts Spotlight: The Okanagan

4.    BC Green Games: Winners of the 4th annual BC Green Games

(note: NVSD 44′s Canyon Heights is one of the winners!) 

5.    Resources: COOL 2.0 and Be The Change Earth Alliance

6.    Events & Announcements

Says organizer Megan McEwen, “This year was another huge success as we managed to remove 38 garbage bags full of trash from the environment as well as recycle almost 15 bags of bottles and cans! Proceeds from the bottles and cans will go to Windsor’s Special Education Department.”

Thanks to all who particpated, especially the members of this year’s Green Team and to Megan McEwen, Windsor’s Green Team Sponsor Teacher. 

Happy, Healthy High Schools

What if exploring happiness and all those things that make our heart sing, rather than the threat of demise from climate change, turns out to be the best way to inspire greener lifestyles?  Come join in a presentation by one of our Clean Air Champions (Olympic, Paralympic, or National Team athletes) where you will discover innovative solutions to climate change, learn about sustainable happiness, and explore what you can do to start taking action in your own lives and at your high school. Through the presentation, you will also explore the High School Climate Challenge (140 actions to green your school), and learn how to join schools across Canada in competing for the $1,000 top prize.

 Clean Air Champions

Phenomenal resources, ideas, tips and tricks from this site.

Lately, we’ve posted news about our Health and Environment symposium this fall, What’s Worth Knowing, and a video of a class composting. We report on contests for your classroom, professional development opportunities, and of course, on our popular R4R Hot Topics of the month and Step Outside guides.

 Our posts attract an ever-growing community of like-minded teachers and professionals  who like to join in the conversation and offer tips of their own. You’ll fit right in!

And if Twitter is more your style, we’re there too, tweeting the latest news, research and events as @lsf_lst.

Cheers,Learning for a Sustainable Future

Join the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Spring Educational Program

Q: Why are we cleaning up shorelines?

A: Plastic and other kinds of garbage are effecting the wildlife because the animals are eating it and it leaves less room for real food like plants. 

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup presented by Loblaw Companies Limited is offering an exclusive spring shoreline cleanup for students in B.C.  When paired with our FREE Shoreline Cleanup Curriculum Guide, the spring shoreline cleanup is the perfect opportunity for students to take part in a direct action conservation program while learning about the negative effects of shoreline litter.

The Curriculum Guide lesson plans have been developed to meet the educational requirements for British Columbia grades K-7 in science, mathematics and social studies.  From an interactive game show to trash audits and storytelling, your class will learn more about the effects of shorelie litter and what can be done to help keep our shorelines clean.

To download our free curriculum guide and sign up for a spring shoreline cleanup, visit ShorelineCleanup.ca/schools or call 1-877-427-2422.

GreenScreen’s Hat is off to the Urban Farmers

They are also making posters to encourage others to be respectful of their plants.

( The students learned to lift with their legs to protect their backs. They also did a great job of cooperating and working together, and are all looking forward to the harvest in June!)

Our thanks to Liette for sending this in so we can share another NVSD school Sustainability Education Endeavour with the World.

Wondering how to post to this blog?  Send yours to greenscreen@nvsd44.bc.ca or lmcguire@nvsd44.bc.ca

What is TravelSmart for Schools?

TransLink is now booking the TravelSmart for Schools program with Metro Vancouver Elementary Schools for the Fall Semester 2012.

Elementary Schools: The TravelSmart program is a whole school sustainable and active transportation program that educates students about the impacts of transportation to our health and the earth. It is also a student leadership program offered to students in grades 5-7. This program is sponsored by TransLink and is fully funded so there is no cost to participating schools.

Deliverables include:

• One youth engagement facilitator to work with grade 5, 6 or 7 student leaders for one hour per week for 8 weeks.

• A performance by DreamRider Theatre group “Keep Cool” about climate change (appropriate for grades K-7 value $500)

• “We are a TravelSmart School” 3’X9’ banner to be attached to fencing outside of the school

• Pledge to TravelSmart for each student

• a customized map to assist families in forming walking school buses and bike trains to your school

• a 1 hour bike safety course for grades 2-5

Students have conducted whole school assemblies where they have performed skits, rap songs, and hosted a TravelSmart Game show. They have also developed and planned active transportation days and interdivisional challenges. Other projects have included making movies, posters, and publishing the TravelSmart Magazine.

If you’re interested in learning more about how your school can be involved with TravelSmart, please email Karen at Karen.Halex@translink.ca or call 604-453-4615

High Schools

TravelSmart for Secondary Schools is a leadership

development program that encourages student leaders

 to identify transportation issues around their school

and neighbourhood, and develop a program to educate

youth about the impacts of transportation, and encourage

sustainable travel choices

§  Increase safety and reduce traffic and air

pollution in and around schools in the region
§  Inspire and empower youth to adopt and advocate

healthy personal transportation choices
§  Develop skills (such as project management and

presentation skills) of students leaders

For more information on the program: 

TravelSmart for Schools 

Recently in the News!  High School student TravelSmart Youth Summit.

http://www.travelsmart.ca/en/School/Highschool/TravelSmart-for-Secondary-Schools-Spring-2012-Summit.aspx

What is it?

-         June 3^rd to 9^th, 2012

-         Walk, cycle, take transit, ride-share or work from home

-         Easy on-line tracking tool

-         Encourages healthy, safe, and green communities

Bike to School Week 2012

The 4th annual Bike to School Week is fast approaching, May 14-18.  Get involved!

• Join your school’s team and log your routes
• Enter the Bike to School Week 2012 poster contest and win a free cycling workshop for your class
• Contact us to invite us to cycling events at your school, and we will come with resources, activities, and giveways!

Click here for resources and ideas