Exchanging the classroom for the glorious surroundings of Spinnaker Park last week were the creative year three class at Boyne Island State School, whose evocative poem won them a guided tour of Gladstone’s Big 6 Discovery Trail.
Schools were encouraged to collaborate and produce a poem featuring Gladstone’s Big 6 or at least one of the Big 6 tribes, Turtles, Cetaceans, Crustaceans, Shorebirds, Dugongs and Fish. Boyne Island managed to include them all, with their terrific poem covering all of the five senses.
GPC Marine Scientist, Dr Megan Ellis escorted the children on their tour prize, saying that the Big 6 generates a great deal of interest from local schools. “Throughout this program we have conducted many school visits, educating students on Gladstone’s Big 6 and what they can do to help protect these iconic animals,” she said.
Gladstone’s Big 6 is an education and awareness program where children can choose their favourite tribe to receive more information, stickers, a cap as well as access online activities and regular updates. There are rumours afloat that a seventh group of marine creatures – sharks and rays – will be added to the current awareness program.
Here is the poem that caught the judges attention: