11 February 2008 

Rasmussen State School will join thousands of students along the Queensland coastline in pledging their commitment to the Great Barrier Reef, when they officially become a Reef Guardian School this Tuesday.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Reef Guardian Schools Coordinator Ms Megan Sperring said it was the students idea to join the programme.

“It is really exciting to see the students driving their involvement in the programme with teachers working to follow their lead.

“Because of the enthusiasm with which Rasmussen State School is becoming a Reef Guardian, we are expecting great things from them this year.”

The school already has big plans for its first year as a Reef Guardian.

Located more than 15 km from the ocean, the school’s focus will be on improving wetlands and sharing the message that the activities we do away from the coast can still impact the Great Barrier Reef.

Rasmussen students will be mentored by Central State School during their first Wetlands Unit, which was designed in collaboration with the Queensland Wetlands Programme.

Student Charli Jones said she was excited to become a Reef Guardian and was looking forward to getting her feet wet in the school’s Wetlands Unit.

“Our school decided we should become a Reef Guardian school because this term we are learning about wetlands and trying to protect the Reef. 

“We want the whole school to help look after the Reef so it doesn’t die.”

Student Ally Watkins agreed that protecting the Great Barrier Reef was an important job for schools.

“We decided we should become a Reef Guardian School because the Reef is getting destroyed. 

“If we become Reef Guardians the Reef could last longer. 

“It will last longer because if we all learn about the Reef, we will tell others all about it and then they will want to help protect the Reef too.”

Rasmussen State School Principal Loretta Swayn said she is thrilled that her school is joining the programme.

“Becoming a Reef Guardian School is a very practical way that we can look after our local environment. 

“Our Values Education program focuses on Sustainability in the 21st Century, so we are already committed to environmental protection at Rasmussen. 

“Our young people are very excited about playing a part in preserving the Great Barrier Reef for their future.”