‘The drain is just for the rain’

The winners of the 2016 School Environment Awards for the former Gosford Local Government Area (LGA) were announced today at a ceremony at Laycock Street Community Theatre.

Taking out the top honours for their work around the theme ‘the drain is just for the rain,’ was Chertsey Primary School (School of the Year – Large Schools) and Holgate Public School (School of the Year – Small Schools). Chertsey Primary School also received the Council Award for Performing Excellence.

Council Administrator Ian Reynolds has thanked all of the schools involved for their contribution to environmental education.

“With 22 schools participating in this year’s program, I would like to recognise all of the principals, teachers, parents and students for their commitment to improving our environment and continuing environmental education within our community,” Mr Reynolds said.

“This year’s theme focused attention on the issue of stormwater and the importance of keeping it clean. As it is estimated that 80 per cent of marine debris comes from land-based sources and given the many beautiful waterways, lagoons and beaches in our region, this topic is of special significance for everyone living on the Central Coast.”

Program Coordinator and Environmental Education Officer Anni Griffiths said the awards were a celebration of the year’s activities and an opportunity to recognise the schools, students and teachers that are doing great things to care for our planet.

“In addition to the 22 schools participating in the School Environment Program, we had ten schools take part in Council’s Wise About Waste program and another ten schools involved in the Take 3 for the Sea Green Sea Turtle Project, as well as hundreds of students entering the individual project component of the Greenhouse Program,” Ms Griffiths said.

“Students involved in environmental education programs learnt about stormwater pathways in their schools and local areas, and the impact on ocean life, other animals and people if stormwater is polluted or full of litter.

“Students took part in hands-on activities including waste audits, litter removal and education campaigns, beach clean-ups, and audits of items that may become litter from school canteens. These awards acknowledge the amazing work being done to take care of our environment on a local level.”

A number of special awards were also presented at this year’s ceremony. These include:

• Most Involved in the Theme – Wyoming Public School;
• Most Improved – Central Coast Grammar School and Copacabana Public School;
• Waterways Care – Gosford Public School; and
• Most Student Involvement – Point Clare Public School

Proud sponsors of the 2016 School Environment Program include: SIMS Metal, Remondis, Busways, Community Environment Network, TreeTop Adventure Park, Wildlife Walkabout Park, The Imperial Centre and Bunnings, West Gosford.