Scoil Eimhin Naofa

GREEN SCHOOLS

School Eimhin Naofa is aiming for its Third Green Flag this year. The theme for this flag is ‘Water Conservation’. Last year to help conserve water in the school we scientifically experimented by placing 1 litre bottles of water in each cistern. This meant that every time the toilet was flushed 1 litre of water was saved.

We also set up two bird baths in the front of the school beside the bird tables. This year we will keep a record of the different birds that visit the bird baths. The pupils on the Green School Committee did a great job of painting the bird baths. Organic Mulch has been placed on the outer edges of the rockeries to prevent the water draining off into the adjoining grass.

We have doubled the size of our vegetable plot. A questionnaire was sent out to students asking which vegetables they would they like to see sown in the plot. The students then participated in the sowing of the seeds. Many thanks to our caretakers Gerry and Sean.

Two apple trees were planted and blessed by Father Merrigan. One has already borne fruit much to our delight. Due to our new extension the Wildflower Garden had to be relocated. This produced a lovely display of flowers this summer. The pupils on the Green School Committee recorded rainfall throughout the year making use or the Rain catchers they made.

The highlight of our Green School Year was the visit of Wildlife Expert Eanna Ni Lamha. She spoke to the pupils about the flora and flauna, minibeasts and other forms of wildlife in the school environment.

The children had hands on experience of collecting and studying these. The children were enthralled by her vast knowledge and enthusiasm. Many new flowers were sown throughout the garden last year. The children have entered a Water Conservation Competition run by Kildare County Council.

Our Clean Up Day in June was a great success. This year’s focus is again Water Conservation. We hope to collect rainwater for reuse by use of rain butts.

We hope to visit the Water Treatment Plant in Monasterevin and Silliot Hill Recycling Plant. We have set up an area for ‘Wildlife Creatures’. We have started compiling a log pile to attract more minibeasts for the children to study. We will be using a variety of textures underfoot in this section.

For Tree Day on Thursday 12 October we planted a Hawthorn tree called the ‘Paul Scarlet’ which will produce a lovely pink blossom in Spring.

We planted this in the front garden near a bird bath to help attract more birds into the garden. We have started collecting old ink jet cartridges and mobile phones which will be recycled. These are collected on behalf of the ‘Jack and Jill foundation which helps raise funds for babies with severe disabilities that they may receive respite care. Many thanks to all who have already contributed to this foundation and who help out with the Green Schools throughout the year.

Through all these activities we hope to raise the children’s awareness of Water Conservation and caring for the environment. The committee urges everyone to continue the good work and to build on last year. We are hoping to secure the services of a speaker again this year.

Usually the Green School Committee makes a donation to the Peatlands Society. This year we are hoping to make a contribution to a Water Conservation Society. The school is hosting a ‘Green Day’ on 27 October so we are hoping that will be an enjoyable day for the students. We will keep you informed of our visits and our activities during the year.