Caring pupils clean up Walbottle

Budding eco warriors have been hands-on in Walbottle, when their school organised a litter-picking event in the area.

The caring youngsters from St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School spent an afternoon clearing litter in the community as part of their efforts to care for the planet.

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Ranging in age from five to 11, the pupils are all members of the school’s Eco Council, and were chosen by their classmates to promote environmental issues in the school, in line with Pope Francis’s ‘Laudato Si’ message about safeguarding ‘our common home’.

“The children are elected each year to be part of the Eco Council,” explained St Cuthbert’s Deputy Headteacher, Sarah Walsh.

“They write a pledge and this is then voted for by the pupils in the class. Although the Eco Council are the champions for change, they spread the message across the whole school community on how to care for our ‘common home’.”

“The Eco Council are currently moving towards achieving their Green Flag Award,” she continued. 

“They remind us of the importance of recycling paper in school and saving energy by turning lights off when classrooms are empty. They are looking at ways we can become even more sustainable.”

Eight members of the Eco Council took part in the Litter Pick, led by Judith Haughton, Eco Group Leader at the school, a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“We believe that initiatives like this are important, as they give children a sense of stewardship,” added Mrs Walsh. “By doing this, children are learning to care for their ‘common home’, not just for themselves but for future generations.

“We also believe the children create links with the local community, making sure it is a better place for all to enjoy.”