Friday, 24 June saw more than 20 volunteers from Kingspan swap their usual Friday at work for a day giving back to the community as part of ‘Give & Gain Day’
As part of Business in the Community’s ‘Give & Gain Day’, the UK’s only national day of employee volunteering, the employees helped transform the schoolyard at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Flint into a ‘forest school’ for the pupils.
After months of planning, volunteers from both Kingspan and UPM created the outdoor learning environment in the playground in just one day, roping in assistance from some of their contractors and other local businesses. Through the forest school project, the school’s 350 pupils are expected to learn about science through minibeasts and habitats; art through creating and designing; music using made windchimes and also storytelling and birdwatching.
Head teacher Rachel Molyneux said she was thrilled that these dreams are being realised for the whole school community “I cannot thank Kingspan and UPM enough for their support. This project could not have been achieved by us ourselves – they really have granted us our every wish! It really shows what can be achieved when people work together.”
“The opportunities for the forest school are endless and this space will be an oasis in the middle of a busy estate. It will be a haven for children for many years to come and their skills will be developed through structured play and a broad curriculum.”
Vegetables plots were created so that each class have their own area to grow produce and eventually make soups for the community. The volunteers also built an outdoor classroom complete with outdoor lighting, water and electrical supply and an outdoor pathway complete with a roundabout, zebra crossing and speed bumps so that children can develop their awareness of road safety. A bike and scooter shelter was also erected at the front of the school.
Kingspan’s Divisional Building Technology Director Mark Harris said ‘‘The project at St Mary’s Primary School in Flint was a great opportunity for our employees to roll up their sleeves and make a real and lasting contribution to the education of local children. Since we first floated the idea the response from our staff has been incredible with over 20 staff from a diverse range of departments from shop floor to board level getting involved. The enthusiastic team, led by John Cormack, put together detailed plans for what has turned out to be an ambitious and highly successful project. We are indebted to some of our suppliers who have been very generous with contributions of cash, materials and logistics support. Our partners UPM also made a great contribution to the success of the project.”
“The day itself was extremely hard work! It started at 6am for some of our team and lasted until long after the children had gone home for the day. The children and staff were absolutely fantastic – their enthusiasm and the never ending supply of drinks, biscuits and the school dinner in the canteen was truly memorable. We went home tired but in the knowledge that we’d had an enjoyable day and really achieved something for our local community!”
For further information please contact:
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1352 717 251
Email: info@kingspanpanels.com
Web: www.kingspanpanels.com
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