School grants to help environment

Ms Parker presented Thornton Public School and Maitland Grossmann High School with $2500 grants yesterday from the Eco Schools and Food Gardens in Schools program.

Thornton will use the money to create a frog pond, while Maitland Grossmann will replenish a section of the bushland in their school grounds with more trees.

Both projects aim to improve the school surroundings and encourage the students to learn more about their natural environment.

Ms Parker said the grants were some of the best initiatives the government offered to help communities invest in their environment.

“It helps children to learn about the environment from an early stage and have more of an appreciation for their natural surroundings,” she said.

“It’s one of the best grants a government can give because it encourages volunteers and people in the community to come together to help preserve the environment and that is a huge benefit for everyone involved.”

Ms Parker was met by enthusiastic students who discussed what kind of animals might be attracted to a pond.

The students delighted Ms Parker with two musical performances and asked questions about her role as a minister and what animals they could keep under certain licences. 

Thornton principal John Millburn said the creation of a pond would provide more learning opportunities for the students.

Maitland Grossmann principal Di Soltau said replenishing bushland in their grounds ensured it would be sustained for future generations to enjoy .