As they headed off on their summer holidays, the pupils and staff of Loughfouder National School didn’t realize that another award was on its way to the school.
They had been chosen as third place prizewinners in the Incredible Edibles Programme run by Agri Aware.
This was an amazing achievement as 1600 schools took part in the programme this year.
Loughfouder NS has been involved in the programme for a number of years but made an extra special effort this year.
Online Classes in Growing
During the school closure in January and February in their online classes they learned about processed and unprocessed food, where food comes from, the importance of recognising and buying local produce and the effects of food production on the environment.
They also learned about the food pyramid and the importance of healthy eating.
With the help of their parents they planted their own fruit and vegetables and learned how to create healthy meals.
Back in School in March
Of course when they were back in school in March they planted their own school garden using the seeds provided by Agri Aware.
They kept a record of their work through photographs and writing and the programme co-ordinator, teacher, Elizabeth Lane, submitted the logbook online in May.
They were School of the Week nationally twice and featured on the radio and in the newspapers on a number of occasions.
Message from Agri Aware
The message from the Agri Aware Team was: “Your food journey and work were inspiring. Thank you so much for actively partaking in our project, and successfully encouraging wellbeing within the outdoor classroom, learning where your food comes from and how to support Irish, as well as learning how to grow, cook and eat your own food.”
Time to Take a Bow
For their prize the school receives a rainwater tank, a gardening toolkit and a mesh tunnel as well as a gold rosette and a framed certificate of their achievement.
All involved in the really worthwhile project at Loughfouder National School and its prizewinning outcome are well entitled to take a bow!
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