ÉPK to model environmental stewardship through new Green STEM program
Sherwood Park, AB - École Père Kenneth Kearns Catholic School (ÉPK) is launching the first Green STEM program in Elk Island Catholic Schools, combining traditional STEM studies with environmental stewardship and faith. The program begins in the 2025-2026 school year at the Pre-K to Grade 4 school.
Similar to other STEM programs – which focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – Green STEM integrates sustainability and ecological understanding to address topics that include climate change, renewable energy, conservation, and eco-friendly technologies.
Green STEM creates a unique opportunity for ÉPK to actively model environmental stewardship for its students by embedding sustainability practices not just in the curriculum, but also in the daily life of the school, explains ÉPK Principal Alyre Morin. The goal is to equip students with a deep understanding of the environment and STEM’s role in protecting it.
“Students will gain knowledge about sustainable practices, renewable energy, climate change, and conservation, while also developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Morin says. “The program aims to foster a sense of environmental responsibility, empowering students to not only understand the challenges the world faces, but also to contribute to innovative, eco-friendly solutions.”
As a result, ÉPK’s Green STEM program, which is aligned with the Alberta Program of Studies, will be woven into the fabric of the school and integrated across all grade levels with age-appropriate content.
As ÉPK is a Catholic French Immersion school, Green STEM will be taught in French and informed by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which states that environmental stewardship is a moral imperative to help protect our common home. The Pope’s calling is a reminder that people of faith can honour God through their engagement with creation.
“This is a great opportunity for our students at ÉPK,” said Christina MacKinnon, EICS Assistant Superintendent of Educational Excellence. “I’m excited to watch them explore the Green STEM program and learn what they can do to help protect our planet.”
-----------------------------------------
EICS, part of Alberta’s publicly funded education system, is committed to developing educational opportunities in the context of Gospel values. EICS is dedicated to providing quality, faith-based learning environments to students of any background and faith, where their skills are nurtured and celebrated by dedicated, caring staff.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Michael Di Massa
Communications Coordinator
Elk Island Catholic Schools
michael.dimassa@eics.ab.ca