Nightcliff Primary School students were proud to be the deserving recipients to receive the very special 2017 ‘BE CROCWISE’ School Award, which was held in partnership with Parks and Wildlife Commission NT and Keep Australia Beautiful Eco-schools this year.
Throughout the 2017 school year, Nightcliff Primary School students have completed curriculum linked BE CROCWISE activities and learned a great deal about crocodiles. The students created and delivered BE CROCWISE information reports and presentations for their peers and community, produced and displayed crocodile drawings, bookmarks and posters to create awareness, completed a life sized 3.5 metre crocodile made from newspapers and egg cartons that was displayed at their local markets, and participated in a community ‘Be Crocwise’ awareness campaign where the students shared their ‘BE CROCWISE’ education.
These activities and specific project works undertaken by the school students had led Nightcliff Primary School to be successful in taking out this year’s ‘BE CROCWISE’ Award presented at a school assembly by Northern Territory Government MLA and Member for Nightcliff the Honourable Natasha Fyles and Be Crocwise team members.
Saltwater crocodiles are an apex Territory predator, they are very important to our environment, Indigenous culture and our economy.
They do pose a risk to people living in ‘crocodile country’ and we all need to BE CROCWISE in areas where saltwater crocodiles live.
The BE CROCWISE award recognises and acknowledges Northern Territory schools that are educating the dangers saltwater crocodiles pose. It awards schools that have taken steps to ensure that everyone in their community knows how to stay safe around Territory waterways, while still ensuring the survival of one of the most important animals in our environment.
Keep Australia Beautiful Council NT CEO Heimo Schober said that Nightcliff Primary School students and teachers had achieved these elements through a number of initiatives and strategies successfully introduced and implemented by the school this year.
“By schools teaching and learning the BE CROCWISE message, being responsible and positively taking ownership, the risk posed by crocodiles can be reduced dramatically,” Mr Schober said.
“Knowledge and respect for animals, environment, people and the country is vital to reducing risks associated with our crocodiles.
“Keep Australia Beautiful would like to sincerely congratulate Nightcliff Primary School on their BE CROCWISE achievements to date and their award win with of course bragging rights for the next 12 months.
“We’d encourage all Northern Territory schools to register on line with Eco-Schools and actively participate in the BE CROCWISE learning and actions.
“Be respectful to all and ‘Do the Right Thing,’ and if it saves just one life it’s certainly worth it,” Mr Schober said.
Attached photo was taken after school assembly.
From L to R, Heimo Schober CEO KABCNT, Kayla Hite Nightcliff Primary School Teacher, MLA Member for Nightcliff Natasha Fyles and Ranger Tim Porter holding croc, with school students in front.