Waste and Recycling Depot Tour

​This past February students from Grade 12 Environmental Geography and the Aquinas Eco Club journeyed to the Waste and Recycling Depot here in Brampton run by Peel Region. Students were able to see how recycling was sorted and the volume that is delivered daily to the plant. They were also engaged through a presentation given by members of the Peel Region about the planet and how to reduce our waste stream. Following the plant visit, the students got the chance to visit the Community Recycling Centre located on Chrysler Drive. Here the students saw how daily items dropped off by the community are sorted and how the Salvation store is run. This tour was invaluable to teaching students the need to reduce, reuse and recycle.

ECO Week

This April Grade 12 Environmental Geography students ran the Aquinas annual Eco week. Each day had a different theme to promote different environmental issues. Tap Water Tuesday to promote using reusable water bottles, Wednesday was Wasteless Lunch day to reduce waste, then followed Threatened Species Thursday to promote the need to save endangered species and finally Lights off Friday to promote cleaning up the school property and conserving energy. Throughout the week the Environmental students sold reusable water bottles, travel mugs and GOOS books with all proceeds going to the World Wild Life Fund. The entire school took part in this incredible experience to help make all of us more environmentally aware of the impact we are having on the world.

Holodomor Awarness Bus

​​​On May 31st the Holodomor National Awareness Tour Bus visited St. Thomas Aquinas. This bus, sponsored by the Canadian Federal Government and run by the Holodomor National Awareness Foundation presented Grade 10 History, Grade 10 Civics, Grade 12 Politics and Grade 12 Social Justice students the unique chance to learn about the genocide that occurred in the Ukraine during Stalin’s regime in the 1930’s. This exposure gave students a better appreciation of human rights and the need to not forget the tragedies of history. The bus will be returning in the fall to allow more Aquinas students the chance to experience this very important presentation.

Tour For Humanity

On May 23rd the Tour for Humanity Bus visited St. Thomas Aquinas. This bus, sponsored and run by the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Centre presented Grade 10 History, Grade 10 Civics and Grade 12 Social Justice students the unique chance to learn about the stages of genocide and the Holocaust. This exposure gave students a better appreciation of human rights and the need to not forget the tragedies of history. The bus will be returning in the fall to allow more Aquinas students the chance to experience this very important presentation.

Planting Day

On May 23rd the Grade 11 Outdoor Education and Grade 12 Environmental classes teamed up with the Grade 3 students from St. Anthony of Padua School and the Planning for Independence students to have a green environmental day. The day consisted of planting annuals in the Native species garden, perennials in the outdoor classroom and fun interactive environmental games with all participating. This coming together of so many students exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and the desire to help each other and the planet. These students should be commended for beautifying the Aquinas property and learning together the joys of teamwork in the natural environment.

Claireville Conservation Tree Planting

This May students from the Grade 12 Environmental Geography class and Grade 11 Outdoor Education class participated in planting trees at the Clareville Conservation Area run by the Toronto Conservation Authority. Students were given the chance to learn about the different types of trees, shrubs and ecosystems found throughout Peel Region. The Conservation Valley authorities directed students in planting trees to help save and encourage the growth of the watersheds found in Brampton and Mississauga. As well students enjoyed the chance to hike and interact with the natural environment in the park.

Tree Planting Koretz Park

This June students from the Grade 12 Social Justice class participated in planting trees in the Credit River Conservation Valley here in Brampton. Students were given the chance to learn about the different types of trees, shrubs and ecosystems found throughout Peel Region. The Conservation Valley authorities directed students in planting trees to help save and encourage the growth of the watersheds found in Brampton and Mississauga. The area chosen for reforestation was Koretz Park along Bovaird Drive. As well students enjoyed the chance to interact with the natural environment located in their own neighbourhoods.

 Senator Oh

​On May 14, 2018, Senator Victor Oh of the Canadian Senate in Ottawa came to Aquinas to discuss what the senate does and some of the work Senator Oh is involved with. Oh is currently a member of the Standing Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Agriculture and Forestry, as well as National Security and Defence. He is also a member of the Special Senate Committee on the Arctic.