Recycling Takes Off @Eastdale

This spring, students from the 'Eco Team' and staff at Eastdale decided to start an initiative using reusable plates and cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, etc) for our daily lunch program. At the same time, students from our 'Eco Team' made helpful posters indicating what needs to be recycled and composted and what are non-recyclable items. The creative posters were strategically placed in the cafeteria above the blue bins for recycling, green bins for composting and waste (non-recyclable) items.
Mr. Servos (science /environment teacher) monitors our school's progress with waste diversion. The pre-initiative data shows our waste diversion was only 21% percent and a recommendation target of 80%. (see data charts below)
A few weeks after the start of our recycling initiative the data shows that our waste diversion jumped to 81% (a 60% increase!). This means 81% our waste is not going to landfill sites and it is being composted and recycled.  We achieved and beat the recommended target by 1%! Kudos to the Eco Team and all students for making this happen.
Many students loved the idea and many even thought the food tasted better when served with real plates! A big win for students who are eating healthy, nutritional lunches while saving our environment by diverting waste from going to landfill sites.

Physical Education Students Experience The Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Launchpad

On Wednesday, May 17th Ms. Hanoun`s physical education classes went on a field trip to MLSE Launchpad. Students had a great time and were able to engage in rock climbing, basketball, soccer and volleyball. They also received free members to this facility which has a lot of great programs and drop-in activities. 

MLSE Foundation believes all kids should have access to sport and the opportunity to both develop and pursue lasting dreams on the playing field.

With the support of MLSE's teams, the Foundation supports the refurbishment of local athletic facilities and funds charities that support kids through sports and recreational programs.
As part of its generous commitment to MLSE Foundation, MLSE directly funds the administration and staffing costs associated with Foundation operations. This contribution, along with an annual financial donation, ‎makes is possible for MLSE Foundation to achieve its mission to improve kids lives, through sport.  
Since launching in 2010, MLSE Foundation has invested more than $30 million into our community. Last season, we impacted the lives of more than 125,000 kids.
More information can be found at http://www.mlsefoundation.org/

Eastdale Students Visit The Bruce Peninsula

WAG (Wilderness Activity Group) wound up another incredible year of adventures with a spectacular 4 day camping trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park.  We took 19 students, an all time high for tent camping.  Everyone had a wonderful experience learning how to make ourselves at home in tents and to make do without all of the comforts we usually take for granted - like hot running water (no showers for 4 days!).  

The hardship was totally worthwhile as we all got to experience one of the most stunningly beautiful landscapes in the country.  Bruce Peninsula is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve because it is home to a number of unique species and habitats.  And we got to spend some time getting to know one another much better.  This was a rich and rewarding experience for everyone.

In Memory of Bob Beardsley, Former Principal of Eastdale CI

On behalf of Eastdale Staff & students, our condolences to Bob Beardsley's family on the death of Eastdale's former Principal, Bob Beardsley who retired from the Toronto District School Board in 1984. Social justice was front and centre in his philosophy and approach with students at Eastdale CI.
Every year at commencement, the Beardsley-Ryder award is given to a deserving student who has shown academic ability, and will continue with post secondary education.

Click Here for the obituary in the Globe and Mail.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NDP or Eastdale CI.

Mental Health Awareness Week

The first week of May, Eastdale held a series of activities throughout the week to mark and highlight mental health issues. Each day of the week students were asked one or two reflective questions regarding mental health. Such as, 'What gives you stress or makes you anxious?', 'What do you do to stay calm or relax?' Each day their responses were displayed in the display case in the main foyer. (see below)

In addition to having a school-wide question of the day connected to mental health and well-being, we also took a break on Tuesday afternoon for an extended period of games and activities including creative art, a table tennis tournament, badminton, board games, and movie screening and learning a new creative app called Adobe Spark.  Each lunch time offered activities including Yoga, Gardening, Creative Art, and games in the Gym.

A highlight of our week was a visit from some four-legged friends from the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog program.  We were thrilled to welcome Izak, Lucy, Coda and Betty, and their two-legged companions Carl, Joanne, Susan and Yves.  All this was made possible through the efforts of Julie Michaud, who coordinates the Child Friendly and Special Needs aspect of the Therapy Dog program.

Room 207 was filled at lunch with students, staff and our visitors who had a chance to spend some time with these amazing animals.  Many students who said they were afraid of dogs were able to sit and pet the animals.  The atmosphere in the room was very positive, full of chatter, with lots of cooperation and kindness.  Eastdale is fortunate to be able to participate in this program.  Our visitors (three of whom visited last year) all expressed how much they enjoy coming to Eastdale.  We are hopeful we can establish a regular schedule of visits in the future.