An endangered creature discovered behind a kindy class in north-west Sydney is inspiring students to achieve their personal best.
Beaumont Hills Public School students have welcomed TurBeau (pronounced ‘turbo’), the school’s new snail-shaped mascot.
Relieving deputy principal Rebecca Adams said the idea of a mascot came from the school’s strategic directions.
“A team of teachers, led by assistant principal John Roberts, came up with the idea of a living representation of our school motto ‘Learning to Dream’,” Adams said.
“It’s about community engagement, and making sure our students feel connected to the school.”
When it came time to choose a mascot, Adams said the snail was the obvious choice.
“Part of our land is home to an endangered snail species, which is found behind our kindy building,” she said.
The school logo also forms the shape of a snail’s shell, recognising the environmental importance of the Cumberland Plain Large Land Snail to the local area.
The snail was found on the site during construction of the school in 2000, with the land behind the buildings now enclosed to protect the endangered species.
Since his first appearance late last year, TurBeau has visited a number of school events, including sports carnivals and the school’s recent Autumn Fair.