PRIMARY school children took part in a series of challenges as they raised hundreds of pounds for a school destroyed by the Australian bush fires.

Mobberley Primary School raised £470 at its Action for Australia day, one of the aims of which was to raise awareness of the children’s role as part of the global community.

Most of the money raised will go an appeal for the Clifton Creek Primary School in Victoria, which was burnt to the ground, and the school will use some to become a Koala Protector via the WWF website.

More than 30 people have died as a result of the bush fires, and 2,500 homes have been destroyed. Millions of acres have been burned, and thousands of koalas and sheep have been killed.

Knutsford Guardian:

Pupils with their collection buckets at the ready

Children wore a yellow item to remind them of the national flower of Australia and the colour worn by the Australian sports teams.

Each class took part in a relay challenge carrying buckets of sand weighing the same as a koala to give an idea of the huge effort by the Australian public and firefighters in rescuing animals from the flames.

An I’m A Celebrity-style box challenge involved finding shapes in boxes, and year 6 young leaders held donation buckets at the start and end of the school day near the entrances.

Knutsford Guardian:

Pupils take part in the box challenge

The fundraising day was organised by the young leaders, Clare Kozyra, year 6 teacher and young leaders co-ordinator, and Emma Millington, year 1 teacher and the school’s Global Leader.

A whole school community worship was led by the young leaders, who spoke about the bush fires, why they happened and what was being done in the aftermath.

The money was raised by donations from parents and pupils, some of who gave their pocket money.

Clare said: “We saw on the news how Cheshire schools were getting involved in fundraising, which spurred us on.

“Some of the younger ones could not comprehend the scale of what has happened, and we made it clear to them it is because of Australia’s climate, which we don’t have in this country.

“The day enabled the children to gain a deeper understanding of the situation, and made them realise they are not just part of their families but part of the global community, and if we are in a position to help that’s a good thing to do.

“The day was aimed at educating the children to make a difference, and I would like to say a massive thankyou to the families of the children for donating so generously - £470 for a school of our size is really good.”

Emma Millington said: “It is important to teach our children about the global issues that are shaping our world.

“We want to encourage them to look beyond our local area and explore world problems such as climate change, plastic pollution and environmental disasters.”