Recognizing 25 years of the Social and Ecological Responsibility in Education (SERE) Committee
.jpeg "Students planting trees")
In 1999, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board approved the establishment of the Social and Ecological Responsibility in Education (SERE) Committee. The committee was composed of a group of staff that were dedicated to establishing and promoting the environmental policies of the school board. With a deep awareness of our collective vocation to care for God’s creation, the committee made recommendations that led to the Board's environmental policy and support environmental initiatives within the schools.
For the past 25 years, staff and students have continued to demonstrate their commitment to caring for God’s creation through a variety of initiatives such as recycling programs, ‘boomerang’ lunches, energy conservation programs, and outdoor experiential learning on the topics of water conservation, tree planting, gardening and community clean up, to name a few. Through EcoSchools Canada, schools can earn a designated certification level based upon completed activities that support environmental stewardship. Over the years, our schools have participated in the EcoSchools Canada program, and many have earned Gold and Platinum status.
The accomplishments of the SERE committee are largely thanks to the staff and students who have served as stewards of God’s creation. These staff and students who serve as Stewardship of Creation representatives within their schools commit to the planning and facilitation of activities throughout the academic year. Additionally, the progress of the committee was made possible through the support of the Board of Trustees, administration, school custodians, teachers and support staff, and the enthusiastic work of our elementary and secondary school students.
As we celebrate 25 years of SERE, we look back in gratitude for all the hard work that has been accomplished, we celebrate the ongoing dedication to SERE and, we look forward in hope that we continue to answer God’s call to be good stewards of creation.
Roman Caruk
Founding member of SERE.
.jpeg "Students tree planting")
.jpeg "group photo of students outside of BR planting trees")
