Gaia Champion Awards: NEW Champion Student Award Announced!
May 8, 2024
Before you start this article, take a breath in and out. Reach your right arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing down. Bend at the elbow, bringing the right hand to your left shoulder. Give yourself a pat on the back — you deserve it! Now, give yourself another one — that’s from us at The Gaia Project! Thanks for working with us to bring climate change education to New Brunswick.
Every year in June, The Gaia Project recognizes two outstanding teachers or education staff (one ADS and one DSF), and one school with our Gaia Champion Awards. These awards highlight the contributions they have made in their communities and schools through environmental education or sustainability projects. This year, we are introducing a brand-new award to the program – the Champion Student Award! This award will recognize one New Brunswick K-12 student who has displayed climate action leadership within their class or school.
- Do you know a teacher/staff member, student, or school who deserves to be a Gaia Champion? Go to our webpage, under “Teachers” and “Gaia Champion Awards,” to submit their name.
- Mark your calendars in June for the annual announcement.
- Follow us on social media to see the winner’s post!
2022-2023 Recipient, Jessica Curry standing next to Travis Daley of The Gaia Project
What is climate action?
Climate action is making choices and doing things that are good for the environment. This can look different for every individual, classroom, and school. It might be a simple everyday action, like turning off the lights when you leave the room to reduce energy use. Those actions can become part of a routine that encourages sustainable habits. Climate action can also be large scale, like starting a compost for food waste that requires regular maintenance and commitment. Other climate actions may include:
- school-wide community clean-up
- waste-free lunch one day a week
- building a school garden
- organizing a clothing swap
- walking or biking to school
- conducting a school energy audit
- Reaching EcoSchools Certification
- Engaging in The Gaia Project programs or resources
Whether small or large, the actions that take place each day in schools across New Brunswick contribute to a more climate resilient future. Small actions add up to big success! Be proud of the actions that you take and share your achievements with The Gaia Project through social media or email. We would love to hear about your work, and maybe you can be our next Gaia Champion!
To learn more about how to take climate action at your school visit thegaiaproject.ca to explore our climate education programs and resources.
2022-2023 Gaia Champion Award Winners:
- The Champion School Award: Sussex Elementary school
- Champion Teacher Award, Anglophone Districts: Jessica Curry, Nashwaaksis Middle School
- Champion Teacher Award Recipient, Francophone Districts: Lisa St-Amand Clavet, École Notre-Dame (nord)
Original Publication: NBTA Newsletter, April 2024
Author: Jamylynn McDonald, Programs Coordinator
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