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York Catholic high school students recently joined the fight to protect our most precious resource. Water – it’s a vital part of all life on earth. Over 70 per cent of our planet is covered in water, yet many of our rivers, lakes, streams, marshes and oceans are becoming polluted. This pollution is having a devastating affect on humans and wildlife and may soon become irreversible.
The York Catholic District School Board’s Catholic Education Centre recently hosted the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) / Planet in Focus (PIF) York Region Secondary School environmental film festival, with water as its central theme.
Over 200 students from more than 10 York Region high schools attended this unique and exciting event. Attendees had the chance to screen two Planet in Focus films, Flow and H2Oil. Student-created films were also screened and attendees had the chance to vote for their favourites.
Guest speakers spoke about the importance of environmental conservation and how we can spread the message about the state of our earth and what can be done.
Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham, delivered an important message to students.
“We’ve come to realize the power of film can sway people’s attention and change opinions,” she said.
“What you’re doing here today will help to change attitudes. We will protect and improve our water quality, not only for us but for generations to come.”
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper CEO Mark Mattson spoke passionately about the need for action and provided a unique view from the perspective of his current role as Lake Ontario Waterkeeper CEO, as well as a trained lawyer.
“It’s up to each and every one of you. The laws won’t work if you don’t understand what those laws are,” he said.
“Make sure you find out how you’re going to contribute. You may go into law, music, writing, but each and every one of you should realize that the environment will play a role in absolutely everything.”
York Catholic is a leader in environmental conservation and is committed to bringing awareness about the impact of human actions on the environment by implementing innovative programs such as Eco-Schools and Steward of the Earth. To find out more about what York Catholic is doing to support our environment, please visit our Environmental Services Department’s webpage.
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