April 26th, 2022

Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) students and staff are working hard to do their part to make a difference for the environment. We are guided by the long-held wisdom taught to us by First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. They have always been stewards of the land and water and have always recognized a deep and reciprocal relationship with the environment.

The Tim Walker Memorial Award for Environmental Stewardship is awarded each year to WRDSB schools in memory of the late Tim Walker, a secondary school teacher, and his contributions to education and environmental initiatives.

We are proud to share the winners for this school year:

The 2021-22 Winners

  • Elgin Street Public School
  • Janet Metcalfe Public School
  • Moffat Creek Public School
  • Glenview Park Secondary School

Congratulations to the staff and students from the selected schools. Thank you for championing and leading these inspiring environmental initiatives in our community. Your efforts to make your school green and environmentally friendly will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Project Summaries

Elgin Street Public School: Vermicomposting

At Elgin Street PS in Cambridge, leftover organic waste and carbon waste will be used for vermicomposting. Vermicompost is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms.

This project will reduce waste and support student learning about the importance of composting for food production and how to care for an environment of microorganisms. Students will get hands-on, using food scraps and carbon waste like shredded paper to make compost.

The compost will be collected at the end of the school year and made available to anyone who is interested.

Janet Metcalfe Public School: Pollinator Garden Project

At Janet Metcalfe PS in Kitchener, they are creating a rewilded learning space to support students in outdoor learning opportunities. By playing an active role in rewilding this space, students will develop their own connection and care for the environment.

Students will see:

  • how ecosystems change
  • how we can impact positive change in our environment
  • how they can affect change on a local level to support a global goal

Moffat Creek Public School: Bird Feeding and Nesting Area at Forest School

At Moffat Creek PS in Cambridge, their project will create a connection between students and the natural world around them through outdoor learning and play. They will be creating a bird feeding and nesting area through the placement of bird feeders and nesting homes.

This will help students learn science concepts and learn how important it is to care for our environment and its creatures. They will also learn to identify bird species native to the area.

Glenview Park Secondary School: Wellness Courtyard

At Glenview Park SS in Cambridge, they are building a wellness courtyard, connected to the current wellness room. This space will create a new space for students and staff to connect with the natural world and care for their mental health through access to a beautiful outdoor space. Classes and library events can also take advantage of this new space.

Student voice will play a central role in the design and build of this project, to ensure it meets the needs of the students at the school.

About the Tim Walker Award for Environmental Stewardship

The award was established in 2006 by the Board of Trustees to honour the life of the late Tim Walker, a secondary school teacher. The focus of the award recognizes his contributions to education and environmental initiatives. It aims to encourage the growth and sustainability of green initiatives in our schools.

Every year, schools are invited to submit their applications to receive funding – up to $2,000 is available each year.

The Adjudication Committee includes:

  • Stephanie and Jim Walker (parents of the late Tim Walker)
  • Trustee Meissner
  • Student Trustee Vishkin

The committee reviews applications from schools and take the following criteria into consideration:

  • Staff and student involvement (current and future) and environmental stewardship
  • Impact on student learning, fostering learning and engaging students
  • Environmental benefits:
    • Shading
    • Greening
    • Waste reduction
    • Recycling
    • Organized action/school environmental club, etc.

Schools that meet the criteria are then selected to receive the awards for that school year.