Picture special: Phoenix Integrated in Cookstown has ‘greenest teacher’ in NI

Mr Black from Phoenix Integrated Primary School was crowned as the ‘greenest teacher’ from schools throughout Northern Ireland.

Cookstown Primary School was also celebrating with teacher Mrs Collins coming third in the rest of the Northern Ireland section.

Organised by Belfast Harbour and Action Renewables, the Green Teacher of the Year Award seeks to reward primary school teachers for taking responsibility for the environment and eco issues by calling on pupils to write about the work their teacher does in this field.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan offered his congratulations: “It is a pleasure to see what young people in Northern Ireland are doing to protect and improve our environment. This competition shows how well young people understand the issues and recognises adults who are Champions for the Environment. The teachers whom we celebrate here today have inspired their changes in school to make a difference by leading by example and that is the best teaching of all.

“I congratulate all the finalists as well as our winners, Mr Black from Phoenix Primary School, Cookstown, for showing true inspiration and leadership to the next generation.

“This in turn will encourage them to take up the challenge and ensure our environment and economy are protected and grown in the future as well as today.”

There were 110 entries which were judged by a panel of experts, including Jenni Barkley, Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager, Belfast Harbour, Gail McGarvey, Deputy Director, Play Resource Centre, Catherine Gleave, Education Officer, RSPB, and Laura Coey, Education Officer, Action Renewables.

Nicola Branagh from Action Renewables commented: “The competition continues to be a massive success and Action Renewables is so proud to be a part of it. The Green Teachers from this year, Mr Black from Phoenix Primary School and Mr Stevenson from Loughview Integrated Primary School, have really raised the standard for those entering next year.”