On October 10, 2023, St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic School (SJB) received the Healthy Community Award at the Lake Simcoe Conservation Awards Ceremony. This award acknowledges the community's commitment to a more sustainable future.

The SJB community, including SJB Garden Club parent volunteers Emily Belfiglio, Dennis Dawe, and Rose and Brian Hennigar, along with 300 student planters and staff, collaborated to make a positive impact, demonstrating their dedication to the environment and community improvement.

The journey to this recognition began with an initiative from the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority (LSRCA). On May 2, 2023, LSRCA generously donated over 100 cedar bushes and shrubs to SJB. Students planted them “with the green end up” and participated in a tobacco offering ceremony.

Notable guests at the event included SMCDSB Director of Education, Frances Bagley, and Hayley Williamson from the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. Hayley shared insights about the significance of cedar and tobacco in Indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of land and resource stewardship. After her talk, Williamson led a smudging ceremony, played the drum, and sang an Ojibwa blessing song.

Congratulations to all involved in this achievement!