Scoil Eoin had cause for celebration and great pride on Thursday 3rd October 2019, when the school raised it’s Eighth Green Flag. Green Flags are an international symbol of a school’s environmental sustainability and are awarded to schools for their efforts in reducing waste, conserving water and energy, promoting Sustainable Travel to School, Biodiversity and Global Citizenship. The focus of Scoil Eoin’s eighth Green Flag, awarded by An Taisce, was on Marine Environment and Marine Biodiversity. With 70% of the planet covered by oceans, the school learned about interesting sea creatures, marine eco-systems, their threats and the work being done to save them. The children and staff in Scoil Eoin have an excellent standard of knowledge, respect and care for the environment through the work engaged in to achieve the eight flags awarded. A litter pick during a field trip to Garretstown Beach was a highlight of this year’s Green Schools activities!
Sanita Puspure, was the natural choice for guest of honour to mark this fantastic occasion. She is an inspiration and incredible role model to everyone in Ballincollig, especially after recently being crowned Rowing World Champion, for the second year in a row. She was delighted to be chosen to raise the flag and was full of praise! “Well done to everyone! It is a wonderful achievement for the whole school! Everybody very well done” She also made a deal that she would happily raise the next flag and hopefully bring her Olympic medal with her!
The school’s success in the Green Schools initiative has been greatly attributed to the dedication of a special group of boys in Scoil Eoin, praised by principal, Gobnait Uí Nuanáin on the day. The committee have carried out their duties under the expert leadership of their coordinator, Mrs. Margaret Healy who thanked the pupils, teachers and staff for their contribution to the many environmental achievements of the school. “The pathway to our eighth Green Flag was made easy by the wonderful, enthusiastic school community we have in Scoil Eoin”. Mrs. Healy acknowledged the pupils enthusiasm for the marine environment theme and spoke of how much “our children want to protect the world”. She also took the opportunity to congratulate special guest, Mr. Tom Butler, chairperson of Ballincollig Tidy Towns, on the wonderful success that Ballincollig enjoyed again at this week’s National Tidy Towns awards, taking home their eighth gold medal as well as the county medal. Eight is certainly a special number in Ballincollig at the moment!
