St Bridgid's Catholic Primary School in Gwynneville has earned bragging rights as the first 'virtually electricity independent' school in the Illawarra region.
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On Monday night a special event was held at the school celebrating the Climbing for the Sun Project, which made this possible.
The launch event also included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and blessing of the school's Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System.
Twelve months in the making, The Climbing for the Sun Project saw parent Levi Gibson climb and summit Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania as part of a fundraising commitment that resulted in $36,600 being donated.
"The project was strongly embraced by the local community," Mr Gibson said.
"Dapto Leagues Club acting as major sponsor provided $3000 while 41 businesses, 52 individuals and the St Brigid's School community all contributed towards a staggering $33,600."
In a positive for the school, a 42kw system was installed rather than the promised 35kw system, due to sustained falls in technology prices and because the project raised 14 per cent above its target.
But the initiative was not all about coming first.
At it's heart was a focus upon electricity cost savings that will be re-invested into school resources, and the education of students upon the importance of being sustainable and embracing renewable energy.
"The school will save approximately $12,000 per annum," principal Kathy Uroda said.
"The project has ignited the local community around a positive environmental change, which has been a great platform for us to stop and think about how we live on our planet and what St Brigid's can do in response to the environmental challenges our world faces.
"Students are gaining a deeper understanding of our school value of stewardship and the cross-curriculum priority of sustainability. We couldn't be happier."
Mr Gibson added he was glad to play a part in making St Brigid's "the first virtually electricity independent primary school in the Illawarra".
Read more: AAP Newswire to close in June
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
