Pretty Beach wins environment award

Pretty Beach Public School has been named as one of Gosford Council's "Climate Change - Cool It" Schools of the Year.

The winners were recognised for their efforts in educating students about global warming and climate change, as well as taking initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, at an awards ceremony at Laycock Street Theatre on Monday, December 3.

Eighteen local schools participated in the ceremony featuring animals from the Australian Reptile Park.

The children performed songs, dances, plays and presentations, with Gosford Public School winning the Mayoral Award for Best Performance.

Council's environmental education officer for its schools program, Ms Anni Griffiths, said the "Climate Change - Cool It" theme challenged schools and students to review their energy consumption both at school and at home.

"These performances, in addition to being entertaining, highlighted the children's depth of understanding about the causes and effects of climate change, as well as identifying solutions," Ms Griffiths said.

"Throughout the year, the schools participated in activities such as conducting their own energy audits, worm farming, composting lunch scraps and more."

"Climate Change - Cool It" was part of council's environmental awareness program which has been running for 19 years with a different theme each year.

Press release, 12 Dec 2007 Kate Carragher, Gosford Council