Go green to school

The environment-conscious kids have initiated a plan for green travel which includes walking and cycling to school in a bid to reduce their carbon footpring.

Four of the school’s pupils are junior road safety officers (JRSOs) and they have come up with a four-page plan which they unveiled at a special launch event.

The P7 girls — Olivia Burke, Cara Wotherspoon, Lisa Livingstone and Nusayhah Ashraf — worked with teachers and partners, such as police and community wardens, to come up with the plan and now all the pupils, and their parents, are being asked to take their advice on board.

The plan includes dos and don’ts for safe parking and cycling, a safety checklist for children walking to school and a reminder of the Green Cross Code,

The JRSOs also highlight the benefits associated with walking to school such as protecting the environment and increased levels of awareness and concentration.

Pupils and their pzarents are also encouraged to park and stride: park away from the school and walk the remainder of the way — thereby reducing congestion and air pollution around the entrance.

Headteacher Maria McBride said: “Our travel plan is very exciting because it provides information to pupils, parents and guardians to not only travel safely, but also encourage sensible travel choices that can have a very positive effect on the environment.

“We truly hope it can make a difference.”

One of the JRSOs, Lisa Livingstone, said: “We enjoyed doing the plan and hope it helps.”

Councillor Paul O’Kane, the vice convener for education and equalities, said: “This is a first-class travel plan — congratulations to St Cadoc’s for a job well done.

“Safety around our schools, as well as the health and wellbeing of our children, is of paramount importance which is why projects such as this are vital.”