On January 18th, Trinity Environmental Action Council (TEAC) held its annual Polar Bear Day, honouring the Trinity College School mascot, Trina, and drawing attention to climate action. The day was designated a non-uniform day to “dress like a polar bear” and wear cozy clothes, warm sweaters or scarves, etc. Following the World Wildlife Fund’s “National Sweater Day” protocol, the heat was turned down 3° Celsius to conserve energy, an important tactic in fighting climate change and protecting the planet for people and polar bears.
The day started with a chapel announcement about how students and staff can take climate action, followed by activities in Cirne Hall during afternoon flex block. Houses could earn Green Cup points by taking part in the “Polar Bear Paw Plunge,” a fun activity in which students were challenged to dunk their hand in icy water for 10 seconds to simulate the experience of polar bears in melting ice. Ninety-one students had a laugh (or a shiver) during the experience. This was followed by a house-competition Kahoot on climate change and energy conservation facts. Orchard House won, followed closely by Brent and Scott.
These fun awareness activities help TCS qualify for our annual EcoSchools Canada certification. This is our thirteenth year certifying, and we’ve been at their highest level, platinum, for the last seven years.
Additionally, as members of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) climate action accelerator program (CAAP), we have been proud to share these types of activities with other schools to inspire them in how to create a school culture that is fostering a sustainable future.
- By Alison Elliott, TCS environmental coordinator
