Launch 2006
Tortoise Club for Schools is getting bigger and better!
One year on, on Thursday 12th October 2006, the Tortoise Club for Schools was re-launched at Milking Bank Primary School in Dudley, where Tortoise Club for Schools co-ordinator, Tom Garner, works.
The day began with an assembly, focusing on conservation in the Galapagos, for all 400 children at the school. The assembly was led by author and science journalist Dr. Henry Nicholls. The assembly was an amazing and inspiring start to the day for all involved.
Following the morning assembly children had chance to speak to representatives from Sedgley-based Proteus Reptile Trust (http://www.proteus.uk.net), West Midlands Safari Park (http://www.wmsp.co.uk) , Prestwood Petzone (http://www.prestwoodpetzone.com/) and GCT volunteer Cieran Rockwell. Three classes were involved, after they each raised £35 to sponsor a giant Galapagos Tortoise hatchling through the Tortoise Club for Schools scheme.
During the afternoon George Spears and Pauline Owen from the British Chelonia Group showed years 5 and 6 a conservation video and held two question and answer sessions. The children responded really well asking some fantastic questions. Both George and Pauline really enjoyed the experience, and thanks must go to them for attending.
Following the day-time event, a one hour after school session was held. Three local Schools (Maidensbridge Primary, Russells Hall Primary and Blanford Mere Primary) attended, along with eight year four pupils from Milking Bank Primary School. It was a brilliant end to the day, much enjoyed by all involved.
The launch (nicknamed Tortoise Day 2006 by staff at Milking Bank!) was extremely successful, and was covered by three local newspapers - The Dudley Chronicle, The Dudley News and The Express and Star (see below for the newspaper reports). In fact, the day was so successful that the Head Teacher and Governors have requested that this becomes an annual event!
A competition was organised and run during the day. Children had to draw pictures of tortoises in order to participate. The winners won a signed print of a tortoise painted especially for the Trust by Korky Paul, with runners up being awarded packs of Galapagos playing cards and tortoise badges.
Galapagos Conservation Trust would like to thank everyone involved in the launch.
For further information about Tortoise Club for Schools e-mail tortoise@gct.org.
We are looking for a venue for next year's launch. Would you like your school to play host? If so e-mail us!
Press coverage of Launch 2006
 |
Milking Bank Primary School
|
- Click here to read about last year's launch
- Click here to see photographs of last year's launch
|
