Green Schools Update

On 20th September myself and Miss Traynor attended a green schools seminar in the Monaghan Education Centre with Monaghan County Council Environmental Officer Niall O'Connor. He informed us that there were a limited number of FREE composters, litter pickers, vests and food waste bins available to schools. We wasted no time and I contacted the Environmental Office and our lovely new composter has arrived today at school free of charge courtesy of Monaghan County Council.

There are also a number of workshops for schools which we will avail of throughout the year. These include Binjamin. 

There is also a grant available of €200.00 for transport to Scotch Corner-the landfill site just outside Monaghan which hopefuly we will be able to attend in the New Year.

After the meeting, we went back to the school and explained the 7 step programme to both staff and the children.

Mrs McPhillips and myself held a meeting with the whole school giving a basic rundown on what the Green Schools Initative meant.

It was decided that there would be 15 members on the committee (a mixture from all 3 classrooms). The remaining 5th and 6th Class students would all play a part as 'Litter Sheriffs'. It is important to remember that the committee are only representatives and this is a whole school project from Junior Infants up to 6th Class and that us teachers are only there to guide and assist. 

The following 15 members were elected by Mr.McCarney, Mrs McPhillips and Miss Traynor:

6th Class- Eimear, Nicola, Gabija, Aoife, Sean, Gracie, Niamh

5th Class- Tiarnán, Elisha

4th Class- Danny, Carla, Nell

3rd Class- Megan A

1st Class- Rónán, Darrach

Litter Sheriffs- Conán, Aine, Clodagh, Jade, Molly, Eoin, Laura, Katie B

The seven steps that we have to complete to achieve the Litter and Waste Green Flag are as follows:

1. Set up a Committee

2. Litter and Waste Review

3. Action Plan-What are we going to do?

4. Monitoring and Evaluation-Have we reduced waste? Prevented it?

5.Curriculum Work

6. Informing and Involving-Day of Action

7. Green Code-St.Enda's N.S statement

So far we have the following in place:

1. We have 3 bins in each classroom- Waste, Recycling, Food Waste.

2. We have showed all teachers how to do double sided photocopying.

3. All lunch to be eaten in the classroom to avoid litter being misplaced outside.

4. Recycling batteries, phones, clothing bank

5. Composter

6. Signs to show what goes into the different bins

And we have a lot more ready to be implemented.

So if anyone has any ideas please don't be afraid to contact us. 

Many thanks

Aisling