Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Educators Embark on a Summer Learning Adventure with a CWF Conservation Course in BC

Press Release

August 7, 2015

For the first time, Toronto educators are joining an exclusive program of mountain learning adventures to gather First Nations wisdom, explore diverse landscapes and collect data that will help their students connect with nature and wildlife conservation.

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) Summer Institute welcomed 13 educators from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board to College of the Rockies in Cranbrook for this unique professional development course focused on experiential learning.

“We are delighted to host this personalized learning experience in the heart of the Rockies with the hopes that the spirit of adventure and commitment to nature will be passed along to future generations as part of the legacy of learning,” said Wade Luzny, CEO Executive Vice-President of CWF.

Highlights of the July 31-Aug. 9 professional development program include nature hikes, orchard experiences, wildlife viewing, fish hatchery tours, canoeing, white water rafting and kayaking, photo journaling, artisan talks around conservation, culinary arts and a visitation to a former residential school.

“We’re proud to show off our Rocky Mountain lifestyle and cultural experiences to educators from Ontario,” said Stan Chung, Vice-President Education and Applied Research at College of the Rockies.  “Our region as an abundance of learning opportunities, both in the classroom and all around us  -- experiences which benefit all of our students.”

This is the seventh year CWF has hosted a summer institute for educators but the first time it’s been offered in the southern interior of British Columbia for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

“We are pleased to be able to participate in this unique professional development learning experience in such a beautiful part of our country,” said John B. Kostoff, Director of Education at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. “Ultimately, our students will benefit from this opportunity and that is a good thing.”

The Canadian Wildlife Federation offers a variety of innovative programming to inspire the conservation of Canada’s wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment of all.

Visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca for more information.

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About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

About College of the Rockies
Located in the Kootenay Rocky Mountains of southeastern BC, College of the Rockies offers students lifestyle and learning opportunities to match our spectacular surroundings. Smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, up-to-date technology, great support services and professional, friendly staff who are dedicated to student success make College of the Rockies the best place to live, learn and play. Visit cotr.bc.ca for more information.

About the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in Ontario, with approximately 84,000 students in 149 Catholic schools throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. It is the goal of the board to provide quality education to students in a setting which fosters Catholic values and beliefs. Visit dpcdsb.org for more information.

Contacts:
Heather Robison
Media and Community Relations Officer
(613)599-9594 ext. 212
heatherr@cwf-fcf.org

Randy McLeod
Education Manager
Canadian Wildlife Federation
(306) 526-7275
randym@cwf-fcf.org

Bruce Campbell
General Manager Communications & Community Relations
905-890-0708, ext. 24466 | 905-609-1480
bruce.campbell@dpcdsb.org