Carnmoney PS teacher wins top green award

Miss Lynn Bannon claimed the joint bronze prize in the province-wide search for primary school teachers who take responsibility for the environment and ecological issues.

She picked up the award at the end of an exciting competition organised by Belfast Harbour and Action Renewables.

Miss Bannon has encouraged her pupils to get involved with a number of environmental activities throughout the school year including recycling and electricity-saving initiatives.

The competition, launched by Environment Minister Alex Attwood, calls on primary school pupils to nominate their ‘greenest teacher’ by explaining the hard work their teacher does to look after the environment and educate children on ecological issues.

More than 600 entries were received from all over Northern Ireland.

All entries were judged by a panel of experts including David Knott, environmental manager at Belfast Harbour; Angus Waddington, associate at Todd Architects; Clare McAllister, senior customer relations manager at Electric Ireland; Kate Noble, head of energy and environmental practices at the National Trust, and Laura Coey, education officer at Action Renewables.

The awards came to a fun finale at an environmental challenge day at W5 during which seven shortlisted teachers and their classes enjoyed an interactive ‘Talking Rubbish’ show, took part in a team challenge to create and build wind turbines, as well as meeting Webster the Port Monster, Belfast Harbour’s environmental guardian.

Opening the Challenge Day at W5, Mr Attwood said: “It is great to see what young people in Northern Ireland are doing to protect and improve our environment.

“This competition shows how well young people understand the issues and recognises adults who are champions for the environment.

“The teachers whom we celebrate here today have inspired their changes in school to make a difference by leading by example and that is the best teaching of all.”

As well as enjoying the Challenge Day, Miss Bannon received a special hamper and W5 tickets for her class.

A teacher from Belleek Primary came joint third with St Patrick’s Primary School in Holywood claiming second prize and Ballycraigy Primary in Antrim taking away the coveted top award.

Goodie bags were also given out to all pupils participating in the finalists Challenge Day.

For details on the winners please visit www.webstersays.com.