Throughout the District, students have been exploring sustainability and connecting with nature. Here are some recent highlights of their efforts and competition-winning action.
The winners of this year’s Climate Project Challenge earned approximately $1000 each for their projects. The challenge is led by the District’s Burnaby Youth Sustainability Network (BYSN), with funding provided by Simon Fraser University. Burnaby South Secondary students won for their Earth Keeper Garden, Moscrop Secondary for their Clean School Collective, and University Highlands Elementary for their Green Team Mushroom Growing Project. BYSN students invited winning teams to present at a year-end event. This is the third year that student groups of all ages and their teacher sponsors have been invited to submit proposals for a chance to win funding to implement their projects to improve sustainability in their community.
Two Burnaby North Secondary students were invited to present at an international sustainability conference for scientists and professionals. Ashley Shen and Khafri Mau spoke about their winning regional science fair project, which looks at soil remediation in Nigeria to support food security. More than 400 people attended the conference put on by the International Association for Society and Natural Resources that was held at the University of British Columbia.
School gardens are an area for growth, connection with the land, and teamwork. Marlborough Elementary students have been exploring local food by hilling potatoes, planting beans, garlic, and chives. The Garden Club at Edmonds Community School has also been hands-on with their learning.
Students at Westridge Elementary learned about weathering and erosion by experimenting with sand, water, and sprinkles. A Grade 6/7 class at Maywood Community School explored what happens after a tree falls – including how it nurtures seedlings and shelters insects and animals. Students at Nelson Elementary explored the lifecycle of butterflies through first-hand observations.
Learn more
See more examples of sustainability efforts across the Burnaby School District here. Additionally, the District has a Sustainability Strategic Plan that sets out goals, objectives and specific actions to mobilize our efforts. Read the plan here.
Posted June 2025