News & Events

Elmwood School students host second annual EcoSummit

Forty-seven students from 15 Ottawa high schools will participate in Elmwood School’s second annual EcoSummit Thursday, October 27. The event, entirely organized by Elmwood School students, is an opportunity for high school students from across the region to brainstorm new and exciting ways to engage their peers in environmental awareness. The students will vote on a few initiatives to implement in their schools and work to develop concrete action plans to ensure the success of the projects.

What:                   Photo ops and interviews with students, teachers, school administrators, keynote speakers

When:                  Thursday, October 27, 2011, 8:30am – 3:30pm (Media are invited to drop in throughout the day)

Where:                 Elmwood School gymnasium, 261 Buena Vista Road, Ottawa

Why:                    The EcoSummit is the first and only event of its kind in the region. It demonstrates an engagement and commitment to the environment on the part of high school students throughout the city.

Who:                    47 students representing 15 Ottawa high schools – available all day for images/interviews

-        Francesca Schembri, Grade 12 student, event organizer, will give a presentation on her trip to the Arctic with Schools on Board – Presentation 12:45pm / available all day for interviews

-        Shannon Tessier, Founder, CHANCE Foundation (Charity of Hope to Assist the Needy Children Everywhere) – Keynote address 9:30 – 10:15am

-        Richard Webster, science officer of the historic Row to the Pole team that successfully reached the Magnetic North Pole with a six-man crew – Closing remarks 2:30 – 3:15pm

Background

Last year’s EcoSummit drew 25 students from 14 schools, and resulted in initiatives such as a Snowsuit Drive near the holidays and an Earth Month celebration centered on the theme of establishing a connection to the environment.

This year, organizers will be proposing initiatives such as an art/photography contest around the theme of nature, major city-wide fundraiser to sponsor a local environmental charity with one of the participating high schools hosting an event such as a coffeehouse or concert, awareness videos and campaigns around water conservation/rethinking recycling.

The Summit is sponsored by TD Friends of the Environment in partnership with Carleton University’s Department of Environmental Studies.

About Elmwood School

Elmwood School is the pre-eminent all-girls’ school in Canada’s capital. An independent day school for outstanding girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, Elmwood has been a fixture in Ottawa since 1915.

Inspiring each girl to reach her full potential is our mission. Elmwood develops inquiring lifelong learners; creates compassionate, engaged global citizens and builds confident, caring leaders. We know that the best way to develop strong, resilient girls is to allow them to explore, create, experiment, grow, achieve, and express themselves in a safe, positive and encouraging environment. www.elmwood.ca

For more information or to arrange an interview:

Annie Boucher
613-863-3702
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Teresa Stirling
613-749-6761
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