DCDSB Students Honoured by Forests Canada and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario for Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

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  St. Monica Tree Bee Team with Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Forests Canada CEO

On December 4, students from St. Bridget Catholic School and St. Monica Catholic School were invited to attend the annual tree lighting ceremony at the at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park in Toronto. The lighting ceremony was hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Edith Dumont. During the ceremony, Forests Canada honoured the accomplishments of students who excelled in their education programs over the past year.

Durham Region students from St. Bridget Catholic School in Brooklin and St. Monica Catholic School in Pickering were recognized as the champions of last year's Tree Bee competition. Tree Bee is a program that introduces students in Grade 4-6 to Ontario tree species. Students test their knowledge of tree-identification and conservation questions in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The annual competition took place on April 23, 2024, at St. Monica Catholic School.

"Being in Tree Bee was really fun because I got to learn about the environment and represent my school at the competition,” said Ashton S., a Grade 5 student at St. Bridget Catholic School. “It was so exciting to come in first place after lots of practices and studying. It was also really fun to get dressed up and go downtown with my parents to meet the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.”

“We are so proud of our students for their dedication in the Tree Bee competition, which demonstrates their commitment to conservation and the environment,” said Christopher Szent-Ivany, Principal at St. Monica Catholic School. “The recognition by Forests Canada celebrates their achievements and highlights the importance of environmental education. Our students' commitment to being stewards of sustainability will follow them as they become our future leaders."