Head in the Hot Seat
By Helen Marston
Feb 6, 2008, 22:13
Members of the Vernon Primary School Eco Council recently put Headteacher Joanne Glimmerveen in the hot seat when they asked her lots of probing questions!
The Poynton school has just gone through an amalgamation process, from separate infant and junior schools to one combined primary school. As a result of the amalgamation there is an extensive programme of new building work and improvements to the school infrastructure.
Mrs Sallaway, a Year 3 class teacher and Eco subject coordinator at the school, said “The children are very aware of eco issues and their environmental responsibility. The Eco Council is extremely popular amongst the children and we currently have 16 representatives across all year groups. The Councillors compiled a list of questions to ask Mrs Glimmerveen, focusing specifically on the planned work to the school buildings and outdoor areas.”
The children wanted to know if the new building would have renewable sources of energy such as wind power and solar panels. Would there be light sensors, low-volume taps that turn off automatically, low flush volume toilets and radiators with deflector panels? With regard to the outdoor areas the children were concerned about trees being cut down and the loss of any grassed areas.
Mrs Glimmerveen said “I was not only impressed with the quality of the questions put to me, but also the professional and mature manner in which the children presented their questions. As a school we are working closely with Cheshire County Council on the planned building work and improvements and endeavor to incorporate as many environmentally friendly features as possible.”
The school is active in recycling and energy saving initiatives and has achieved the Silver status of the Eco Schools Scheme.
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| Pictured are some of the Vernon Primary Eco Councillors on recycling duties |
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