How can the choices we make every day, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat and the culture we create, contribute to a more sustainable world?
At MetroPrep, meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to explore important global challenges, engage with diverse perspectives, and consider how their own ideas can make a difference.
On Friday, October 9, MetroPrep hosted a special sustainability forum that brought global perspectives on environmental challenges, sustainable living, and cultural approaches to environmental action into the classroom. Organized in collaboration with the Korea-Canada Environmental Action Forum, the event welcomed representatives from Korea to share their insights and experiences, inspiring students to explore how ideas and initiatives from around the world can be translated into meaningful action within their own communities.
Global Perspectives on a Greener Future
The afternoon opened with welcoming remarks from President Park and Secretary-General Jhun Ji-young of the Korea-Canada Environmental Action Forum.
Secretary-General Jhun then delivered a keynote presentation, Green Life, Green Culture: Changing the Planet, exploring how environmental awareness can be translated into meaningful action through lifestyle choices, cultural expression, and community initiatives.
From sustainable fashion and food systems to the influence of music, art, and film, the presentation encouraged students to look beyond conventional approaches to environmental responsibility and consider how culture can inspire positive change.
From Ideas to Action: Students Take the Lead
Building on the keynote, MetroPrep students worked collaboratively to develop and present their own sustainability proposals.
Organized around six themes, fashion, food, housing, music, art, and film, the student-led discussions challenged participants to think critically, exchange perspectives, and identify practical initiatives that could make a difference at MetroPrep and in the wider community.
The activity placed students at the centre of the conversation, giving them an opportunity to apply creativity, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills to an important global challenge.
More than an exercise in environmental awareness, the forum demonstrated how young people can move from understanding complex issues to proposing meaningful solutions.
Introducing GreenPrep: Student Leadership in Sustainability
The afternoon concluded with remarks from Principal Ryan Seeley, who emphasized the importance of translating ideas into action.
Building on the enthusiasm and proposals generated during the forum, MetroPrep is introducing GreenPrep, a student sustainability team that will provide opportunities for students to lead environmental initiatives within the school community.
Together with opportunities for action through Student Council, GreenPrep will encourage students to take ownership of sustainability projects, collaborate with their peers, and help shape a more environmentally conscious campus.
The initiative reflects MetroPrep’s commitment to developing students who are not only academically capable, but also thoughtful, engaged, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Connecting Global Learning with Local Impact
The forum was made possible through the collaboration of MetroPrep staff, students, and the visiting delegation.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the representatives of the Korea-Canada Environmental Action Forum for sharing their knowledge and perspectives with our students.
Special thanks also go to Principal Ryan Seeley, guidance counsellor Jaclyn Kocalevski, and Grade 11 student Leo for their contributions to organizing this meaningful experience.
At MetroPrep, education extends beyond the classroom. By connecting students with new perspectives and giving them opportunities to develop their own ideas, experiences like this help cultivate the curiosity, initiative, and sense of responsibility that define the next generation of leaders.
From global conversations to student-led action, the journey toward a greener future is taking shape at MetroPrep.
