9 February 2009

The Cathedral School has won an environmental award along with a $500 grant from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to further their environmental cause.

The ‘Ripples of Change Award’ recognises environmental excellence and will fund a new sustainable veggie garden and worm farm.

Ms Megan Sperring from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef Guardian Schools Program said a new garden for the school would be a great hands-on project for the students.

“Kids are learning about sustainability in classrooms.

“Taking ownership of a small piece of land, nurturing it and managing it according to best management practice is a fantastic way to put into practice what they have learnt.”

Karen Wunsch, Reef Guardian School Program Coordinator, said she was eager to start the project.

“We have a fantastic subject at our school called ‘Investigations’ where we have the opportunity to discover things about our natural environment and what we can do to look after it.

“We are lucky to be part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and understand that with that comes responsibility to do our part to protect it.”

Leonie Maddigan, Reef Guardian Schools Project Officer for the GBRMPA, will present the award to The Cathedral School and on behalf of the GBRMPA personally thank the school for their efforts in helping to conserve the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

The presentation will take place on Wednesday 11 February at 11:10 am at 154 Ross River Road, Mundingburra.