Sir Guy Carleton & EarthCARE Make a Difference

February 17, 2006

Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School provides a unique program for Ottawa students. It is an adaptive high school for those who are not on the path to university. The focus is on giving students life skills which will prepare them for the world of work upon graduation.

It is interesting to visit the school and see the program in action. One of the important features is to see the links between the school and the community and how respect for the environment has become an integral part of their program.

In the Welding Program no-longer-serviceable snow blowers have been donated to the school by Home Hardware on Wellington Street in Ottawa. The snow blowers are taken apart and the scrap metal is used to make dollies and push carts for use in the school.

In the Woodworking Program donations of scrap wood from Home Depot are used for student projects. Bird and doll houses, story boards and guitars have been made from the materials.

In the Trowel Trade Program donated bricks have been used to make interlocking steps at the front of the school and in garden projects undertaken by the school.

In the Horticulture Program students grow a variety of plants for sale in the spring. It was great to see plants growing, in particular Citronella and Aloe Vera plants which are natural alternatives.

The staff and students at Sir Guy Carleton can see themselves making a difference! For more information about Sir Guy Carleton and its programs visit their school site on www.ocdsb.ca.