When my dogs and I arrived at Lyall Bay Beach the other day for our walk we found dozens of kids from Lyall Bay school doing a beach cleanup.
They were wearing red vests and protective gloves and were busy picking up all manner of detritus from the beach. A handful of teachers carried big rubbish bags to which the kids added their finds.
They’d done a fantastic job. I’ve never seen the beach looking so clean. I had confidence that the dogs wouldn’t be picking up and trying to eat who-knows-what, and it was really enjoyable to see only things that belonged on the beach, like sand and seaweed.
Sadly, when the dogs and I walk at Lyall Bay there’s usually a scattering of plastic bags and bottles, rope, old shoes, lunch wrappers, cans, and assorted random rubbish that really spoils the beach. I hate to think what that trash is doing to the fish and birds.
When I arrived home I emailed the school principal to thank the kids and offer my observations on the difference they’d made. Before long the principal had replied:
Thank you for your kind feedback Miraz. It is always nice when people take time to express gratitude!! Sadly, at times we only hear from people about negative issues!!
Our children are currently looking at “Our Coastline” as a theme, and obviously from an ecological point of view, they are keen to see what actually ends up on our beaches. With the support of Westpac staff and Ray Ahipene-Mercer our children have been at the beach for the past 2 days.
They have then brought ALL rubbish collected back to school for analysis. What a smell!! BUT what a great learning experience. Our children now have an understanding of the types and quantities of rubbish that I guess end up in the sea at some stage.
I’ll make sure your kind message is read to our children and their teachers at Monday morning assembly.
Again, thank you for your kind feedback. It is appreciated.
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