The COVID pandemic resulted in many changes for students across the state when they returned to school, including access to bubblers that were made off limits to help curb the spread of the disease.
Somerton Public School faced an additional challenge with their bubblers disconnected altogether. This meant students had to bring water from home each day.
Fresh drinking water will again be available after Somerton Public School P&C took out the April round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterNewEngland Community Funding Program and with it $3000 that will be used to install water filters at the school.
Somerton Public School P&C President, Leianna Kneipp, said the committee’s entire focus is the children and this was the most significant issue facing the cohort.
“We are a small school of 21 children and everything we do is for our kids,” Leianna said.
“The school’s bubblers were disconnected during the pandemic and kids were having to lug multiple water bottles to school each day.
“We’re on bore water at Somerton, so the money from Greater Bank will enable us to install filters so the kids have access to cleaner, fresher water at school every day,” Leianna said.
“Fundraising is quite a challenge in such a small community – and that’s without the additional challenges of the COVID pandemic over the past couple of years.
“This is a real boost to the spirits of our school. We just want to give all our kids the best chance of success and that means providing as many additional resources and activities as we can.”
Leianna Kneipp, Somerton Public School P&C President
Runners up for the April round were Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts and Container of Dreams, both receiving $1,000.
Greater New England Regional Sales Manager, Will Boyd, said it’s important all kids have access to the best possible learning environment, regardless of the school’s size.
“By giving kids the best start in life we can help them to fulfil their potential, which not only benefits them and their families, but society as a whole,” Will said.
“I also understand the challenges of raising funds in a small community, so we are very pleased to be able to help Somerton P&C in this way.”
Voting in the May round of the #GreaterNewEngland Community Funding Program is now open with Tamworth Camera Club, Neywarra Anaiwan language revival group (Armidale) and North Tamworth Bowling Club in the running for a share of $5,000 in monthly funding.
The public can vote online at greater.com.au/greaternewengland until 5:00pm, Wednesday May 25, 2022.