A Commitment to Sustainability and Eco-Citizenship

At Cousteau, we believe in shaping responsible global citizens by integrating sustainability and environmental awareness into our students’ daily lives. As an Eco-School, we implement meaningful eco-friendly initiatives and empower students to take action for a greener future.

Education for Sustainability at Cousteau

As part of the French civic education program, Cousteau integrates sustainability, citizenship, and democratic values into student learning. Our goal is to develop critical thinkers who understand and act on principles of solidarity, respect, and responsibility.

  • Students learn about rights, responsibilities, and regulations
  • Each class elects a student representative to voice ideas at the school council
  • We embed sustainability education into all subjects, encouraging action-oriented learning

Dual Eco-School Certification

Cousteau is proud to hold two prestigious environmental certifications:

AEFE Certification – EFE3D Level 3 (2022-2025)

  • Highest level of sustainability certification for French international schools
  • Acknowledges Cousteau’s leadership in sustainable education

Eco-Schools Canada – Platinum Level (2021-2024)

  • Recognized for outstanding commitment to sustainability
  • Minister of Environment & Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson, visited our school to congratulate us on this achievement
  • French Consul General, Philippe Sutter, also honoured our Eco-Committee’s efforts

Our Eco-Citizen Actions

We focus on three main areas:

1. Waste Management

  • Zero Waste & No Meat Days (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
  • World Sustainable Consumption Day (Showcasing waste-free, meat-free, locally sourced, and organic meals)
  • School-wide recycling initiatives:
    • Recycling bins in every classroom
    • Use of recycled printer paper
    • Waste-free meetings and reusing scrap paper
  • Composting program: Installation and maintenance of worm composters

2. Biodiversity Protection

  • Documentary screenings and expert discussions
  • School biodiversity projects:
    • Building and maintaining a vegetable garden
    • Constructing an insect hotel and wild bee shelters
  • Pacific Salmon Conservation Project:
    • Studying the salmon life cycle
    • Breeding and releasing salmon fry into local rivers
  • Seed Library: Promoting seed sharing and plant cultivation

3. Community Engagement & Eco-Citizenship

  • Eco-themed library collections & activities
  • Monthly Eco-News Podcast on our Web Radio
  • Community cleanups: Beaches, playgrounds, and surrounding areas
  • Student-created Eco-Code: A yearly sustainability pledge
  • Educational outdoor activities in the forest
  • Charity drives: Supporting local food banks & cancer research

Our Eco-Citizen Actions

We focus on three main areas:

Waste Management

  • Zero Waste Day (Tuesdays)
  • World Sustainable Consumption Day
  • School-wide recycling initiatives:
    • Recycling bins in every classroom
    • Use of recycled printer paper
    • Waste-free meetings and reusing scrap paper
  • Composting program: Installation and maintenance of worm composters

Biodiversity Protection

  • Documentary screenings and expert discussions
  • School biodiversity projects:
    • Building and maintaining a vegetable garden
    • Constructing an insect hotel and wild bee shelters
  • Pacific Salmon Conservation Project:
    • Studying the salmon life cycle
    • Breeding and releasing salmon fry into local rivers
  • Seed Library: Promoting seed sharing and plant cultivation

Community Engagement & Eco-Citizenship

  • Eco-themed library collections & activities
  • Monthly Eco-News Podcast on our Web Radio
  • Community cleanups: Beaches, playgrounds, and surrounding areas
  • Student-created Eco-Code: A yearly sustainability pledge
  • Educational outdoor activities in the forest
  • Charity drives: Supporting local food banks & cancer research

Eco-Club: Student-Led Sustainability Initiatives 

Cousteau’s Eco-Club, open to students in Grades 4-9, offers hands-on experience in sustainability. Led by our Eco-School Coordinator, students plan and implement projects that promote environmental awareness both in and outside the school. Through seasonal initiatives, climate discussions, and community-driven actions, members engage in activities such as recycling campaigns, waste reduction, seed and plant cultivation, and studying local flora and fauna. They also take an active role in maintaining a sustainable campus by leading eco-projects like playground cleanups, monitoring recycling bins, and proposing green initiatives.

Cousteau’s Eco-Code 2024-2025: INNOVATION

Each year, our Eco-Committee, composed of student eco-delegates and our Eco-School Coordinator, selects a theme for our sustainability commitment. For 2024-2025, the chosen theme is INNOVATION—a call to find creative solutions for environmental challenges.

Experience Cousteau’s academic excellence and bilingual education

Cousteau offers a unique academic experience through the teaching of rigorous bilingual education from Pre-K to Grade 9.

Our students nurture a sense of curiosity and become lifelong learners while developing their personality, an international and multicultural mindset, and a willingness to protect our planet and to respect differences.

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