School is eco hero

Winston Park Primary School is the June recipient of the Highway Hero Award, which was graciously received from Councillor Rick Crouch earlier this week by Mike Foster (Vice Principal), Robyn Hewitt (Grade 7 teacher) and pupils.

This year, Winston Park Primary School has embarked on becoming an eco-school. One of its successful projects is the recycling scheme. Pupils are encouraged to bring their cans on a Tuesday and their paper and cardboard waste on a Thursday. “The response from the pupils and parents has been overwhelming and our collection mornings are a hive of activity,” said Robyn Hewitt. 

They plan to start plastic and glass collections in the near future.

June Highway Hero: (back, l-r) Mike Foster, Councillor Rick Crouch, Robyn Hewitt; (front) Spencer Mills, Aidan Hewitt, James Geldart and Kyle Hammond

“The pupils have developed and planted a herb garden and next term will see us begin our vegetable garden under a tunnel, which has been generously donated by Rotary 1000 Hills. Thank you to Wendy Middleton for her huge support. Winston Park Primary is working hard at reducing its carbon footprint. We have seen that together we can make a big difference!”

“The electricity audit we requested from Eskom has revealed that there are many ways we can cut our electricity usage. We are working on Eskom’s suggestions to improve our consumption,” said Ms Hewitt.

“This award is well deserved and I think a big thank you goes to the pupils at Winston Park Primary School as well as Mike Foster and Robyn Hewitt for being the driving force behind this initiative. With projects such as these the most difficult part is getting started, and I would encourage any other schools wanting to start their own eco program to contact Winston Park Primary. They are more than willing to assist,” said Councillor Rick Crouch.

The “Highway Hero” award will be presented once a month to a resident, business owner or municipal employee in the Ward 10 area who goes the extra mile for the community. Councillor Crouch says he initiated the project “because there are so many people who selflessly give their time and resources to the community. These people are seldom thanked for this task and whilst it is but a small gesture to recognise and acknowledge what these people do, it will hopefully encourage others to do the same.”

Councillor Crouch encourages residents to take ownership of their community and says these tasks do not have to be major exercises, simply keeping the verges in the street on which you live neat when the municipality has not been around for a while, picking up the litter on the route you walk your dog daily.

Click here to nominate someone for the Highway Hero Award.