Balloons Deflated
Looks like feedback to this request for help was taken constructively by North Lakes State College in Queensland, Australia and a planned mass balloon release was called off. Following is the text of an email sent out by the educational institute:
Thank you for your email concerning the release of balloons by the North Lakes State College.
The release of the balloons was proposed as one way in which to celebrate Harmony Day.
Harmony Day is celebrated across Australia as a way of celebrating our success as a culturally diverse society and re-committing ourselves to lives of harmony and mutual respect.
In a community as diverse and vibrant as North Lakes, this is a wonderful opportunity to promote our community values of understanding and social cohesion.
The school had planned to use bio-degradable balloons, but members of the school and wider communities have expressed concerns that there could still be adverse environmental impacts from this event.
Recognising that the intent of Harmony Day is to acknowledge and respect diversity, and understanding that there are different views of the proposed event, the Principal has taken the decision to celebrate Harmony Day at North Lakes College in a different way. No balloons will be released.
Please be assured that North Lakes State College is committed to a sustainable environmental future and to working with students, parents and community to ensure this outcome. As such the College embeds awareness and sensitivity to environmental issues into curriculum programs and activities.
Mick Hoey
Deputy Principal
North Lakes State College