IN a heartwarming display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, Thameside Primary School recently marked Earth Day 2024 with a special tree planting event.

Spearheaded by the Thameside Primary School Council in conjunction with the Friends of Thameside PTA, and supported by local benefactors Mr and Mrs Allinson and the generous donation from 'Big Local', the initiative aimed to promote sustainability and green living among the school's students and wider community. 

Abstatemenht from the school says: "The focal point of this eco-friendly endeavour was the planting of an espalier apple tree named 'Scrumptious' within the school's thriving vegetable garden, aptly named 'Sow and Grow'. This addition not only enhances the natural beauty of the garden but also symbolizes the collective commitment towards nurturing the environment and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet. 

"The collaboration between the Thameside Primary School Council, the Friends of Thameside PTA, and local supporters exemplifies the power of community engagement in promoting environmental consciousness.

"Through joint efforts and contributions, the school was able to turn a vision of sustainability into a tangible reality, enriching the educational experience for students and leaving a lasting impact on the local environment. "

 Speaking about the significance of the project, Mrs Joanna Bray, Thameside Primary School HeadTeacher, emphasised the importance of instilling environmental values in young minds.

She said: "By involving students in initiatives like this, we are not only teaching them about the importance of conservation but also empowering them to become responsible global citizens.

"The children were able to physically demonstrate the Osborne Academy Trust Co-operative values of self-responsibility, self-help and democracy."