Limavady Central PS show their ‘green’ credentials

LIMAVADY children are displaying their ‘green’ credentials with a new award and a new greenhouse.

One of the teachers taking the lead on the eco-friendly approach to school life, Ms. Isobel Robinson, told the Sentinel that the environmentally friendly lessons being learned by pupils at such a young age will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

Such is the pro-active approach being taken at the school that their efforts have been acknowledged by the Action Renewables Association, who awarded the school a prestigious prize for their efforts.

The Awards recognise success in a range of criteria, including engagement with the local community.

Evidence of that positive engagement with the local community can be seen in the presentation of a greenhouse by the local Parent and Teacher Association after successful fundraising, which will allow pupils to learn about growing their own vegetables even in poor weather.

Ms Robinson explained: “Mrs Loughry and I share the role of promoting the ‘eco’ side of things in the school. We have been lucky enough to have won this award from Action Renewables.

“Part of that came from a project we have been doing to encourage the children to conserve energy – turning lights off, computers etc.

“We were classed as ‘Grade D’ in terms of energy efficiency and that has now moved up. Action Renewables were hosting a competition so we decided to enter it. We were later invited to an awards ceremony so we knew we had won something.

“That would have been one of the big ideas – cut down on the amount of energy. It is true that the lessons learned by the children in terms of being eco-friendly is something that should stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“That is the idea – even the wee ones in Primary One put waste into the compost bin and that can then be used as fertiliser for the plants. Even down at that young age it is about trying to teach them about conservation and not wasting anything. It will make a difference.

“In terms of the donation of the greenhouse from the PTA, we probably couldn’t have afforded the greenhouse without their help and support. We really appreciate their support.

“This is the first year we will be able to make use of it. We had been growing vegetables last year but we were so reliant on the weather. With the greenhouse we can even get out in the wet days. More children will be able to get out and make use of this now.

“The council also put us in three big new flowerbeds – we will definitely be able to get more children out and get them planting. We should be able to bring them into the canteen. We have an apple tree as well so we will be able to use the apples.

“It will teach the children the whole process, from planting the food themselves, bringing it into the canteen and having it prepared, composting the skins etc. That would be one big area, the conservation of energy would be another.”

Michael Doran, Director of Action Renewables commented on the award winners: “I would like to say a huge congratulations to all of our winners, who together are making a significant contribution to the development of the renewable energy industry in Northern Ireland. This year we received a staggering number of entries and once again our judges were faced with very tough decisions to make. Due to the number of high calibre entries we received this year in multiple categories, we decided to award joint prizes as it was such a close call.

“These initiatives are proving to be extremely beneficial to businesses and are encouraging investment for the future”, added Michael.

Ms Robinson concluded: “We are very grateful to all the hardwork put in by everyone at the PTA and for all the people who helped out with their fundraising efforts. The greenhouse will make a big difference to our eco-friendly approach.”

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