Lakeside Academy's greening and landscaping project

MONTREAL - Lakeside Academy has set the wheels in motion for their greening and landscaping project as part of the Cool Your School! initiative presented by National Bank.

On Thursday, April 20, students from Amy Ryan-Hamilton's Grade 8 Social Studies class began step one of planning for a greener future at their school. In groups of four, classmates engaged in a brainstorming session to lay down the foundation of the project.
"We are ecstatic, because our kids don't normally get to do anything within the community" said Ryan-Hamilton, adding that the developments of the project "is going to be huge for them."
Three areas will be developed as part of the project: a large green space in front of the school, a smaller area behind the building, and a third section behind the soccer fields toward the back of the property.
Students envisioned a landscaping project that would create useable spaces to relax, read a book, or eat lunch, while enhancing the appearance of the campus by adding more natural beauty, namely a variety of trees and flowers.

One individual preached the benefits of the project, noting the refined areas will invite students to spend more time outside and less time on their phones.
This new initiative, introduced in January 2023 as an addition to the Goal is Green program, represents the evolution of the Canadiens' long-standing partnership with National Bank and their strong desire to make a positive impact in the community.
The Canadiens and National Bank have partnered with GRAME for the planning and execution of the planting project. GRAME works for a better environment in collaboration with citizens, communities, organizations, and governments by intervening in the field, deploying education and awareness programs and issuing recommendations rooted in the scientific rigor that has characterized it since its creation.
"We hope that the development of quality green spaces at Lakeside Academy creates outdoor areas that are unifying, relaxing, recreational, and provide opportunities for students and school staff to connect with nature. We also hope that the educational and participatory workshops will help awaken students' interest in environmental commitment," said Eva Doan-Lavoie, Project Manager, Greening and Development at GRAME.
The next workshop is on May 11, ahead of the scheduled planting day in early June.
For more information on the Cool Your School! initiative,
click here
.