Each September, students have the opportunity to give back to the local community by taking part in a local clean up.

The wet weather didn't dampen our spirits last week. A sliver of sunlight was all it took to get outside and clean up our community. Bags and gloves were kindly donated by Keep NZ Beautiful so we were well prepared to pick up whatever we found!

Students are always surprised at how much rubbish is collected from one area. Negligence to clip your recycling bin when the wind whips up (which to be fair is quite often) contributes to excess rubbish in our community. Interestingly, some students believe that nobody cares anymore. This view saddens me.

Room 1 have adopted our local stream that runs through and under the school. For the last 2 years they have picked up hundreds of pieces of rubbish. Some of it washed down from the stream, some of it the legacy of former students. Each rainfall unearthing a new layer of indestructible soft plastic. These students know that they can make a difference. Preventing that rubbish from entering the stream prevents it from ending up in Porirua Harbour and effecting our marine life.

One things for sure, students made a difference last week. Will you join us in taking responsibility for the environment?