In his Grade 11 year it became apparent to Sebastian that there was a ‘hole’ when it comes to the environment and the School. Whether it was from a lack of communication or a lack of engagement it was during Earth Week in 2020 that the idea of a student-led initiative came about with a focus on getting the dialogue going pertaining to the environment.

As an active member of the MUN, it was a natural choice for Sebastian to get a round table together to discuss the environmental issues on campus. Initially a diverse group of Grade 11 students with representation from each House, during this inaugural round table, the students decided that creating a student-led council would be the most effective way to help fill the ‘hole’. The purpose? To ignite the ‘spark’ and to get the conversation going around sustainability. The idea was not to change what is already in place but to use the power of student voices as the driver, with buy-in being the ultimate key to its success. Once word got out within the School community of this Sustainability Council, applications flooded in. Not only did the council offer a great leadership opportunity for students where previously, being a Prefect was the only way, but it provided an avenue for those passionate about sustainability to get involved. Now consisting of 12 students from all grades and Houses, they are gaining traction in the School community.

The newly established council determined that the focus would be on four main areas and set out achievable goals for each. These four areas are Reducing Waste, Waste Sorting, Reusables, and Energy Usage. How are they going to tackle these goals? By collaborating and communicating with the School community. With the creation of a webpage for the Sustainability Council as well as an Instagram page to share infographics on the events they are holding, the council has made great progress. Most recently, the first ‘Take me Outside Day’ on October 20, 2021, was promoted so that teachers could get their students outside. The advantages are not only that being outside is good for our mental health, but it provides a connection and appreciation of the outdoors. As we move through the school year expect to see some exciting events planned, especially during Earth Week 2022 as this year’s Sustainability Council continues the work of using the student voices to support initiatives surrounding sustainability.

As the current Chair of the Council, Sebastian has a few goals for the future. From encouraging younger students to get involved to carry on the work to more collaboration with faculty, the intention is that the Sustainability Council can continue to bring everyone together for the shared vision of achieving sustainability not only on campus but in the surrounding communities and beyond.