BROUGHTON PRIMARY ECO NEWS!

Eco-schools is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment.  It is an environmental management tool, learning resource and recognised award scheme.

Broughton Primary has the highest award - the Green Flag - we all need to work together to keep our Green Flag flying.

Our school will be evaluated in June.  There are nine categories which the school reviews and then incorporates as an action plan into the School Development Plan.  This is linked to the curriculum.  As part of the plan, the school must work with the whole community....you can help!

LITTER
The pupils work on a ‘litter monitor’ rota and the committee is currently making new posters. Gloves are being purchased by the Parent Council.  How can you help?  Every Friday, the school promotes a ‘litter free snack day’. Please support this by giving your child a litter free snack.

WASTE MINIMISATION
All recycled paper is being collected in school, mixed with donated newspapers and turned into paper bricks on Friday afternoons with Celia.  This is being done as an enterprise project and the bricks (which burn for up to an hour) will be sold at the Summer Fayre - brilliant!

A new compost bin has been donated and a caddy will be put in the lunch hall.  A textile bin is to replace the Rag Bag collection.  The school recycles batteries and ink cartridges & mobile phones - please remember to send them in!  How can you help?  The children could make double the number of paper bricks if you are able to help out in school on a Friday afternoon (2-2.45pm) as there is another press available.  Please contact the school office. Also, please donate old newspapers to the school!

ENERGY
The pupils are having a competition to design posters reminding them to turn off lights!  Parents are looking into alternative sources of energy - solar panels and micro generating water.  Your thoughts/ideas are always welcome.  Any expertise - please contact Louise 830289.

WATER
The school plan to get a water butt for the vegetable patch.  How can you help? If you have any unused water butt which you would be willing to donate, please let us know!

TRANSPORT
Children are encouraged to walk to school whenever possible.  The ‘walking bus’ will not currently be resurrected.  P6/7 will have the opportunity to do their cycling proficiency (summer term) and parents are looking into extending this opportunity (by volunteering to assist) to P5’s.  The school has Junior Road Safety Officers who help with transport issues.  How can you help?  If you are interested in helping with cycling proficiency classes, please contact Barbara at the school.

SCHOOL GROUNDS
Daffodils have been planted around the perimeter.  Wooden benches and planters were paid for by the Bonus Ball Group - thanks to Celia for organising!  There is the possibility of creating an outdoor classroom and summer lunch area round the back - TBC.  The Mini Beast Garden requires some maintenance - Anna Ashmole is kindly donating her wormery to the garden.  Mrs Lloyd is starting a Gardening Club - info to follow.  Plans are underway to build a recycled bottle greenhouse - lots of excitement here!  How can you help?  Join us on the Gardening Task Force Days.  Please donate 2ltr plastic bottles (1500 required) and long garden canes for the greenhouse.

BIODIVERSITY
Our wild flower meadow has been raked and seeds scattered.  Plans are afoot to make the Mini Beast Garden a photographic resource.  Bat and bird boxes will be put up on the Gardening Task Force Day in March.  The children enjoyed a fantastic day at Netherurd Farm last term via the Royal Highland Education Trust - thanks to Lesley Mason for her help with this!

HEALTH AND WELLBEING
There is no longer funding for fresh fruit but P4/5 have a project on healthy eating with Mrs Adams and hope to get fruit/food donated.  P3 have made a start on the vegetable patch with help from Celia.  They have grown cress and crocuses indoors and are investigating micro salads.  A definitive plan is required to fully utilise the raised beds...more sand and peat-free compost is also needed.

Mrs Hastings has been running gymnastics for P5/6/7 who took part in the recent festival at Kingsland Primary.  P4 are due to start gymnastics.  Linda Masterton and Fiona Woollard run the netball team who continue to enjoy success at various tournaments.  Mr Harkins takes basketball for P6/7.  These are extra-curricular activities and we are very grateful to the staff for providing these opportunities.  Fiona Pagett is planning to start ‘Junior Joggers’ once the weather abates!  

The school/parents are looking into funding possibilities for MUGA - a Multi User Games Area - an all weather facility.  Meanwhile, outdoor play  equipment - skipping ropes, space hoppers and large stilts etc are in need of replacement.  The sand pit requires fresh sand and a new lid.

SUSTAINING OUR WORLD (new category)
The pupils will work to increase knowledge of Fair Trade.  They may consider supporting a child abroad as a way of exploring another culture whilst making a difference.  There is interest in the setting up of a ‘Planet Group’ a discussion group where those with concerns about the future of the world and our impact on the environment can exchange information and put words into action!

Finally...The pupils, parents and staff worked consistently hard for several years in order to gain the Green Flag.  They are so proud of their achievements but now need to keep up the good work in order to maintain the Green Flag status.  Lifelong skills are gained and learned through the Eco Schools programme.  It also serves as a wonderful way to bring the school and our local community together.  Please give us your support.  Contact Louise on 830289 / louisewillins@googlemail.com.  Thank you