Our school had cause for huge celebration last Friday, 14th November, when the school raised its Sixth Green Flag! Michael O’ Brien, the manager of the triumphant Ballincollig Senior Football Team was the perfect choice for guest of honour to mark this fantastic occasion. He was honoured to be chosen to raise the flag. Scoil Eoin was awarded the prestigious 6th Green Flag for Biodiversity by An Taisce at a special ceremony last May. Scoil Eoin is one of the few schools in the country to have reached the environmental level of the sixth Green Flag, a fantastic achievement for the school! The theme of the flag was Biodiversity, which is the term used to describe the variety of life found on Earth. At school level the basic aim was to improve the grounds of the school and attract more wildlife. This two year project required a great deal of time and work, but proved to be a huge success. Green Schools co-ordinator, Mrs. Margaret Healy said “The fact that we now hold six Green Flags is a testament to the consistent enthusiasm of the Scoil Eoin Community”. Mrs. Healy also praised the “fantastic Green Schools Committee”.
Scoil Eoin’s pupils, staff, friends and invited guests enjoyed a wonderful excitement filled day of celebration as they came together to witness the flag raising ceremony. The junior children were bedecked in headbands adorned with butterflies, ladybirds and bees, representing different areas of biodiversity. The older children were festooned in face paints, badges and waved flags, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Among those also in attendance were Cllr. Derry Canty, Cllr. Daithí Ó Donnabháin, Ms. Birgit O’ Driscoll, An Taisce, Mr. Kieran Costello, Chairperson of the Board of Management. Seven First Year students from local schools were very special guests on the day. The boys, past pupils of Scoil Eoin, were invited in recognition of their enormous contribution to the school’s Green Effort.
Principal, Bean Uí Nuanáin said “Today is a wonderful day for our school. It is the culmination of 15 years of environmental work and it embodies the spirit of the school motto “Déanann Dicheall Gaisce”. Bean Uí Nuanáin highlighted “that this, our 6th Green Flag is as precious to us as our first”. Great praise was also given to Mrs. Healy for her hard work and dedication in co-coordinating the Green Schools Programme with great support from all of the staff, including Gerry the Caretaker. Cllr. Daithí Ó Donnabháin was “honoured and privileged” to be present to celebrate “this fantastic achievement”. Cllr. Derry Canty was honoured to attend “at another special occasion” in Scoil Eoin. He highlighted that “Scoil Eoin are the top school in the area” educating pupils on a local and global level.
Michael O’ Brien, himself a past pupil of Scoil Eoin made a very inspiring and encouraging speech. He explained that environmentally “Scoil Eoin is to the forefront, not only in Cork County but in Ireland. He emphasised that “if you are willing to put in hard work you will be rewarded”. He then raised the flag to loud applause. The ceremony concluded with a rousing rendition of the school song, “Scoil Eoin,” composed by teacher Miss Crowley. Scoil Eoin is already making progress towards their 7th Green Flag with the theme of Global Citizenship Energy. Undoubtedly that flag will also be flying proudly over the school before long!
