Pupils proud to fly the flag after green success

Jun 12 2008 by Lesley Brown

STONEHOUSE Primary pupils have achieved their Silver Eco Flag, an environmental award, as part of a school initiative.

Both Newfield and Stonehouse Primaries have been participating in eco projects to help their schools and community become ‘greener’.

The points pupils earn from these projects are converted into ‘flags’, so their progress can be tracked.

Within school grounds, pupils have been saving energy by switching off lights and computer monitors, recycling paper for pet bedding and making ‘junk models’.

They have also been growing organic vegetables and herbs, and members of the eco committee at Stonehouse Primary have arranged a litter patrol to ensure the playground is kept rubbish-free.

Pupils also gained points by assisting the Brighter Village Group on their spring clean campaign in April.

In the run-up to World Fair Trade Day, the Co-op gifted each school with £30 towards fair trade goods, and free fair trade tea and coffee to distribute at special events held in the schools last month, which also contributed points to the initiative.

Newfield and Stonehouse Primaries are now working with Stonehouse Better World to raise money for their Mulanje mission in Malawi.

After hearing about the hardships suffered by children in Malawi, Stonehouse youngsters were keen to help.

They are collecting small change in empty water bottles and have decided on the slogan “Loose Change can make a big Change”, which was suggested by P4 pupils from Newfield.

The money raised will go towards the feeding programme, paying for maize and new stoves to cook daily meals for school children in Malawi.