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The ÎÛÎÛÂþ»­ EcoSchools Middle & Secondary Student Leadership Conferences are an opportunity to energize your school's EcoTeam/Environment Club and build stronger leadership skills; explore concepts, ideas, and questions related to sustainability; and find ways to participate in solutions, even when solutions are not obvious or straightforward.

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Fall 2025

Here and Now: Revealing Our Blindspots

Grades 9-12, October 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th (choose one), 9:00am-3:00pm ET

Climate change is happening now. If left unchecked, climate change will adversely affect every ecosystem and community. Students are the next generation to live with the impacts of climate change, and the ones who will influence our schools and communities towards a low carbon and climate resilient future.

The Fall ÎÛÎÛÂþ»­ EcoSchools Secondary Leadership Conference will energize your students to take the lead on climate actions, build their facilitation and leadership skills, and collectively transform schools into communities of hope and activism.

During the full-day session, students will participate in 3 workshops: educational partner Roberta Tevlin, leading an En-Roads workshop; the Downsview staff facilitate climate change games and your EcoSchools team will do a tree workshop using Survey123. We'll end the day doing a climate adaptation scavenger hunt, making use of Downsview park to practice real-life skills!

The conference is open to all secondary students. We welcome teachers and their student teams - maximum 5 students per school, and 1 staff member. Teacher release is provided for ONE teacher per school.

Please arrange your own transportation. Remind students to dress for the weather!

Location:
Downsview Discovery Centre
70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5

Agenda:

9:00 * Registration

9:30 – 9:55 * Keynote

10:00 - 11:30 * Workshop round 1 (1/2 inside, 1/2 outside for 2 sessions)

11:30 – 12:15 * Lunch (bring own)

12:15 - 1:45 * Workshop round 2 (groups switch)

1:45 – 2:45 * Climate Adaptation Challenge

2:45 - 3:00 * Wrap up

3:00 * Departure

Notes:

• Spaces are limited, 10 schools per day - first come first served
• This is a precious learning opportunity, please be on time
• Dress for the weather, activities will be outdoors
• Morning and afternoon beverages will be provided
• Bring your own reusable water bottles
• Where possible, please arrive sustainably (e.g., carpool and transit)
• Bring a lunch; veggie snacks will be provided

Questions? Contact Jenn or Chris @ ÎÛÎÛÂþ»­ EcoSchools.