Sustainability in Action

Recently, Artemis II marked the first lunar journey in over 50 years, capturing powerful images of Earth from space—reminding us just how fragile our planet truly is, and how important it is to protect it.

This is a responsibility our JMS students work toward every day. However, Earth Day offers a dedicated opportunity to reflect, learn, and take meaningful action.

Earth Day in Action

This year’s Earth Day was especially impactful. Students attended a special assembly featuring guest speaker, Sue Alksnis, from Burlington Green, who led an engaging discussion on environmental initiatives and shared practical ways we can all make a difference. Together, we were reminded of a shared goal: to keep our community green and sustainable.

Sue led the students in an informative activity where she provided items and asked us to sort them into categories; garbage, recycling, or compost. Some items were tricky, as they did not fit any of the categories. We thought of ways to reuse them, so we reduced the amount of trash heading to the landfill. 

Following the assembly, JMS students took part in a walking trip to Sweetgrass Park for a “Clean Up and Green Up” activity led by Ashwood Glen staff. Seeing the amount of litter accumulated over the winter months made a lasting impression. It also sparked important conversations about simple habits—like properly securing recycling—that can have a meaningful impact, especially during windy weather or early collection days.

Real World meets IB & SDGs

What are SDGs? SDGs, or Sustainable Development Goals, were 17 goals implemented in 2015 by the UN. They are considered an ambitious roadmap to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet against climate change by 2030. They are consistently being implemented into IB curriculum across all content areas. 

Experiential learning, such as celebrating Earth Day, directly connects to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More specifically, it connects to:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

From Learning to Action

Experiences such as these help students connect their learning to real-world impact. Through hands-on involvement, they begin to understand how small, consistent actions can contribute to meaningful, long-term change.

They also see that environmental responsibility isn’t a distant or abstract idea—it’s something within their control, right now.

Because in the end, protecting our planet isn’t a one-day event—it’s a commitment we all share.

Recognized for Excellence — Best Private School in Burlington 2024 & 2025

Ashwood Glen is honoured to be named Best Private School in Burlington for the second year in a row. This achievement reflects our dedication to future-focused, globally connected learning and our commitment to helping every student reach their full potential.

Ashwood Glen School
Inspire. Empower. Excel.
Proudly Burlington’s only accredited IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) — shaping future-ready, globally aware learners from Montessori to Grade 8.