Green Flag eco award

Pupils at St Stephen’s RC Primary School in Blairgowrie were delighted to receive their first Green Flag as part of the Eco Schools environmental initiative.

And the Blairgowrie Community Campus-based school held a small celebration to mark their achievement last week.

Head teacher Simon McKell explained the significance of the award, commenting: “Receiving the Eco Green Flag marked the very important progress St Stephen’s RC Primary School has made in focussing on and supporting local environmental issues.

“The award fits in perfectly with the vision, values and aims of the school.

“Children are taught about the fundamental importance of love, respect and tolerance as soon as they start P1.

“By making small but significant changes in school such as reducing waste, reducing energy consumption and encouraging children to walk to school, we have highlighted and taught children that we have one planet given to us and that this needs to be loved and cared for by all.”

He went on:“The children’s eco committee meet every fortnight with class teacher Miss McIlory. They had a strategic plan to develop the garden, reduce waste and promote healthier and sustainable choices in eating and travel to school.

“The challenges now are to further enhance and strengthen our approach, continuing our partnership work with environmental group Blair in Bloom and extending this further in our community with other agencies.”