Environmental Citizenship

Field Trips Within Walking Distance

The CBE values the educational benefit of field trips. Field trips close to our school can complement classroom learning by giving students opportunities to explore the community around their school.

Please be advised the process for trips within walking distance of the school has been simplified, excluding restricted activities, e.g. swimming. As parents/guardians, you will no longer need to fill out a consent form for your child to go on a class trip that is walking distance from the school, e.g. to a local park.  Appropriate walking distance is determined by the Principal and may vary, depending on the age of the students.

Teachers will provide at least 48 hours’ notice when planning a trip to a local site. You will be notified about these trips by school messenger or google classroom.

The following is a list of sites near the school that teachers may use to complement classroom learning:

As with any field trip, we want to inform you about some common hazards involved with walking trips to the above locations. Please note this list may not include all of the hazards for a given trip:

• Slips, trips and falls;
• Insect stings and/or bites
• Getting separated from the group;
• Street crossings;
• Pre-existing medical conditions and/or allergies;

If you have any questions regarding field trips within walking distance of the school, please contact your child’s teacher.

Environmental Initiatives

Environmental initiatives at Vista Heights School include regular collection of refundables, recycling and compost. The Student Action Wellness Team (SWAT) has assumed responsibility for these environmental stewardship efforts for the 2025-26 school year.

Recycling

Staff and students practice environmental stewardship through the school recycling program. Bins in each classroom and hallway are provided for recyclable materials, including paper, cardboard and plastic waste. Students are asked to rinse and recycle lunch items, such as yogurt or food containers, in their classroom recycling bin.

Composting

Each classroom has a compost bin for organic waste and washrooms have a compost bin for used paper towels. All students have been encouraged to use their classroom compost bin to dispose of food waste from their snack and/or lunch. Student leaders support in collecting the compost from each classroom at the culmination of the week.