Ocean Shores Public School’s Return and Earn for learning tree

Ocean Shores Public School P&C recently joined the Return and Earn recycling scheme, and launched a fundraising initiative to recreate an outdoor learning space for students.

The school had a tree with a performance area, and a place to sit and read, but as the tree got older, it was deemed dangerous and had to be removed. 

P&C member, Rebecca McNaught, says that after registering as a charity on the Return and Earn app a few months ago, the initiative has been gathering momentum, and is receiving support from local businesses. 

‘We’re getting parents and families on board, and we collect from the school canteen and from local cafes – Mrs Birdies Cafe and Yum Yum Tree cafe save containers for us’.

Ms McNaught said Kmart in Ocean Shores donated gift vouchers, and the school ran a competition for the students, encouraging them to use the Return and Earn.

‘The Return and Earn fundraising has been particularly valuable to the school this year. It’s been a really tough year for fundraising, with so many things cancelled owing to covid restrictions. We’re hoping to raise up to $5,000 for the learning tree and Return and Earn will form an important part of this.’

Relieving Principal, Felicity Henderson, said it’s about more than just fundraising. ‘It ties into the sustainability ethos of the school, including the school’s science and environment curriculums. It also shows students how they can turn rubbish into something worthwhile for the school’.

‘It’s a way to encourage recycling and help kids understand the importance of looking after the environment by taking personal responsibility for our rubbish’.

To suport Ocean Shores Public School, you can select the school under ‘charities’ in the Return and Earn ‘myTOMRA’ app when you return containers and choose to donate all or part of your refund.