Belfast Harbour and Action Renewables have launched the search for the ‘Belfast Harbour Green Teacher of the Year 2010’. Designed to reward primary school teachers from across Northern Ireland for showing leadership and taking responsibility for the environment, the competition is set to engage hundreds of pupils and encourage them to put forward their teachers to win this year. Over 800 primary schools are being given the opportunity to tell Action Renewables in no more than 100 words, why their teachers should be crowned ‘Belfast Harbour Green Teacher of the Year 2010’. Judges will be looking for a teacher who works hard to look after the environment and to educate children about environmental issues.
	To be considered all entries should reach Action Renewables by 22nd October and will be judged by a panel of experts including David Knott, Environmental Manger, Belfast Harbour, and Laura Coey, Primary School climate change teacher, Action Renewables. Six finalists and their classes will be invited to take part in a fun challenge day at W5 on Wednesday 24th November, where they will meet Webster, Belfast Harbour’s Port ‘monster’, invent wind-powered racing machines and enjoy an interactive ‘Talking Rubbish Show’. The day will conclude with one teacher being awarded the coveted ‘Belfast Harbour Green Teacher of the Year 2010’ title plus tickets for their class at the Waterfront Hall’s Christmas pantomime.  Two runners up will also receive a prize and there’ll be a Webster goodie bag for all participating children.
Left to Right: Webster the Port Monster, Nicola Chang, Action Renewables, Mrs Crosbie, Donemana Primary School, Roy Adair, Belfast Harbour, Minister Poots, Department of Environment with Pupils from Donemana Primary School
Last year’s winner, Mrs. Jill Crosbie, Donemana Primary School, commented: “I was overwhelmed to have won the competition last year and it was great to be nominated by my class and be recognised for my work. In addition, the children have benefited so much from the prizes we received; not only did we have a great day of fun and learning at W5 and the Christmas Panto at the Odyssey but we were also privileged enough to be invited to this year’s launch with Minister Poots at Stormont. Having had such a great experience, I would encourage all Key Stage 2 pupils to get into the spirit and enter the competition this year as the benefits of the competition extend way beyond the class-room and will hopefully stay with the kids for life!!.” Roy Adair, CEO, Belfast Harbour, said: “Belfast Harbour is strongly committed to creating a greener
	Mrs Crosbie, Donemana Primary School with pupils Jonathan Gamble and Shannon Leslie
Click on the image above to download a competition poster	environment. As the first Harbour Authority in the world to be accredited as CarbonNeutral in 2008, our commitment to the environment has continued with an environmental programme for schools, supported by Zoe Salmon and Webster, the Port ‘monster’, which is helping children learn about the Harbour and green issues. “The Green Teacher of the Year award offers an ideal opportunity for teachers to show leadership with fun and informative activities that encourage children to become more environmentally aware, about both waste and energy.  We were delighted to receive over 100 entries last year and are keen to support teachers who go the extra mile to promote the benefits of reducing energy consumption and waste. We hope to increase the number of entries received this year and encourage even more teachers to do more for the environment”.
Nicola Chang, New Business Developer, Action Renewables, adds: “Action Renewables is delighted to work with Belfast Harbour on the awards again this year. It is a great opportunity for Primary School teachers to be recognised for their continued commitment to environmental projects. Creating a greener environment in the school helps educate children who will in turn use the skills at home and hopefully throughout their life.” If you think your teacher works particularly hard to look after the environment and should be crowned ‘Webster’s Green Teacher of the Year 2010’, send your entry to ‘Belfast Harbour Green Teacher of the Year 2010’, Action Renewables, The Innovation Centre, NI Science Park, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9DT or e-mail education@actionrenewables.co.uk by 22nd October to ensure your teacher doesn’t miss out. To download a competition poster click here or on the poster above.
	Mrs Crosbie, Donemana Primary School and Webster the Port Monster
Remember the more entries submitted from pupils at your school, the more chance your teacher has of winning!