Saving Waste and Saving Lives

Even though school is closed for most, the children at St James’ CE VC First School, Wimborne, are still thinking of and helping to improve the lives of others.

Their new, Save Waste, Save Lives, recycling centre is full to the brim of corks, ring pulls, pens, milk bottle tops, coffee lids, used stamps and old keys.  What seems like useless household waste to some, is not only being recycled but used, in some instances, to save lives.

The donations made by the school community support local, national and international charities including Poole Hospital, Parkinson’s UK and Gift of Sight.  But the children aren’t alone in their fight to save the planet, because the parents are also involved.  For many years now a family from the school has donated 100% recyclable cups for all school events and it also has a small band of volunteers who take home the school’s yoghurt pots to be cleaned and recycled.

Headteacher, Mrs Jacqui Booth is proud of the children’s resourcefulness and concern for others, “The idea to do more to care for our planet came directly from the children and our whole school community has been very happy to help."  We may only be a small school but we have a big heart and we can all make a difference in the world.”

As well as all this, the children from St James’ have also been making handmade Easter cards and writing letters for residents at local care homes during this period of isolation and the school has an informal network encouraging its community to take part in the Thursday night clapping in appreciation of the NHS and all frontline workers.

As Jacqui Booth says, "We may only be a small school but we have a big heart and we can all make a difference in the world.”

Note from Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education - We are keen to have your school's updates to share in our School News webpage. The stories are shared across the diocese through Grapevine and also Twitter and Facebook. Please send stories in via email to emma.waters@salisbury.anglican.org - Thank you for all you are doing for your communities!