Global Citizenship - Energy
We are working towards our 7th Green School Flag, Global Citizenship - Energy. This project will run over two years. Our committee is made up of students and staff members. Our student representatives are extremely enthusiastic, presenting great ideas and making simple but effective changes around our school.
Meet the Committee
Slogan Winner
Our Slogan is
'Don't Put Up A Fight, Just Turn Off Your Light'.
Our Slogan is
'Don't Put Up A Fight, Just Turn Off Your Light'.
Our Poster Winners
Sandpit N.S is proud to be a green school. The Green School initiative promotes long-term, whole-school action for the environment. This programme is very valuable as it teaches all of us to be more aware of our environment and to treat our planet with respect. The Green School programme examines different aspects of the environment. Each year a committee is formed which includes pupils and staff. Their job is to facilitate the implementation of a plan which will help our environment over a two year period.
This year we are in the second year of a two year cycle and we are working towards our 7th flag: Global Citizenship Energy.
This year we are in the second year of a two year cycle and we are working towards our 7th flag: Global Citizenship Energy.
Step 1: The Green School Committee
The committee is made up of children from 1st Class to 6th Class and staff members. Out committee members are Pippa, Ben, Lily, Katie, Alex, Finn, Oscar, Tegan, Molly, Dearbhla, Shea, Krystal, Ms Butterly, Ms Green, Michelle, Dolores, Judi, Mrs Marron and Ms Byrne.
The committee is made up of children from 1st Class to 6th Class and staff members. Out committee members are Pippa, Ben, Lily, Katie, Alex, Finn, Oscar, Tegan, Molly, Dearbhla, Shea, Krystal, Ms Butterly, Ms Green, Michelle, Dolores, Judi, Mrs Marron and Ms Byrne.
Step 2: Environmental Review
In November 2023 the committee carried out a survey to find out levels of global awareness. The results were discussed and pie charts were created. Results were displayed on the noticeboard for all to see.
The committee has also looked at the electricity usage. We hope to reduce our electricity usage by 5% by February/ March 2025. The bills were high so Mrs Victory has looked into that. Mrs Victory has also got an energy audit done and is looking in to solar panels quotes.
Other themes have been considered to ensure we are maintaining high standards in all areas.Litter and waster – audits on the bins were carried out to ensure the right rubbish was going into the right bins. All lunch rubbish goes home and there is a compost bin in the staff room.
Water – we have a water butt in the courtyard. We do not leave taps running in our school and report any leaking/ dripping taps to our caretaker, Gerry. A leaking pipe has also been fixed.
Travel – Unfortunately our school is located on a very busy road in the countryside therefore making walking, cycling, scooting to school very dangerous. Our school does not have a school bus. A number of children walk to and from Greenacres Child Care. Many parents park at the shop and church and children walk on the footpath to the school. On a positive note, our Parents Council are constantly working on Road Safety at the school. We do encourage car pooling when we are going on outings such as Gaelic matches, a tables quiz, monthly visits to Sunhill Nursing Home and more.
Biodiversity – We are very lucky to be situated in the countryside with lots of space to explore nature, observe lots of plants and flowers native to Ireland. In year one of the programme we had a visit from The Hertiage Council. It was an extremely informative talk on hedgerows of Ireland. We have visits from local farmers with calves and lambs. We had a visit from the local bee keeper too. Lots of our classes plant bulbs yearly, Last year 1st Class celebrated National Tree Week, did projects on native trees and made Cherry Blossoms Trees in art. 5th Class celebrated National Tree Day in October and planted horse chestnuts, acorns, propellers and beech nuts that they foraged and found. Wild Seed were planted at the local Church to make the ground more inviting for bees, butterflies and many more pollinators and for the local community to enjoy. Seasonal plants and flowers are planted by the Students Council. Rhubarb and chives have been planted too. A new Bug Hotel will be constructed before Easter with the help of the whole school to encourage new insects and bugs. Our school is also engaged with the Marine Explorer Project with William McElhinney. The children have completed a beach clean up.
Step 3: Action Plan
Step 4: Monitoring and Evaluation
We are always monitoring and evaluating our progress. We meet regularly to discuss our progress, ensure our classes are energy savers and discuss new ideas. Our noticeboard displays our results.
We are always monitoring and evaluating our progress. We meet regularly to discuss our progress, ensure our classes are energy savers and discuss new ideas. Our noticeboard displays our results.
Step 5: Curriculum Links
Fundraising Global Awareness – Shoe Box Appeal
We were delighted to take part in the Shoe Box Appeal this year. It was a whole school initiative. Mrs Victory organised a school visit to inform the children all about the Shoe Box Appeal. This raised awareness about global poverty and inequality in the world and helps us promote our links and relationships with other countries.
Our school took part in recycling clothes as part of our Amber Flag campaign. It was a great way to recycle good quality clothes while raising money for a great cause, Pieta House.
Fundraising Global Awareness – Shoe Box Appeal
We were delighted to take part in the Shoe Box Appeal this year. It was a whole school initiative. Mrs Victory organised a school visit to inform the children all about the Shoe Box Appeal. This raised awareness about global poverty and inequality in the world and helps us promote our links and relationships with other countries.
Our school took part in recycling clothes as part of our Amber Flag campaign. It was a great way to recycle good quality clothes while raising money for a great cause, Pieta House.
There was lots of planting going on in the school from bulbs to sunflowers, to rhubarb to wildflowers and more. National Tree Week and National Tree Day was celebrated with projects, art work and horse chestnuts, acorns, propellers and beech nuts were planted.
Each class got involved with amazing artwork, which was on display around the school. Autumn leaves, winter scenes, leaf/ flower art, cherry blossom trees, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle posters, weather acrostic poems, leaf rubbings,
We have had many visitors into the school to discuss various topics with the children. We have had local farmers in with calves and lambs on a number of occasions. The local farmers are parents, grandparents of our students or past parents. It is always a treat to hear information about animals. We had a local beekeeper in to tell us about the importance of bees for our ecosystem. The children got to see various things made by bees and they got to try on a beekeepers outfit.
Lessons have been completed on electricity in the younger classes, while lessons have been completed on energy in the older classes. Classes have engaged in simple circuits. Projects have been completed on different types of energy used around the world. The older classes have also learned about global awareness. One of our 5th Class students won 1st Place in Louth County Council Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week Art Competition. Another 5th Class student achieved 3rd Place in the Borough District of Drogheda 'Greener Christmas' Poetry Competition. Classes have looked at lessons on waste and recycling, the water cycle, the rainforest and more. Students in older classes have looked at social justice too. Children have studied the life cycle of the butterfly and the frog. 2nd Class witnessed the life cycle of the butterfly first hand but keeping them in their classroom. Children have focused on endangered artic animals and the negative impact climate change is having on the animals.
Litter picking around the school and local area is something the children take pride in. They work together and they are always proud of their efforts and the beautiful area in which their school is located.
Assembly presentations are a great way for the committee and classes to communicate information to the whole school.
School visits/ visitors- For the last two years our 6th Classes have visited ReStore Habitat as part of European Waste Week. They present the information to the whole school at assembly. This year 3rd Class had a visit from Ohk Energy, which they found very good. We also had a farrier visit the school to tell us all about his job.
The committee have looked at pie charts to present information, meter readings, electric usage, bills.
Curriculum Links
Fundraiser - Clothing Drive
Erin placed 1st Place in Louth County Council Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week Art Competition.
Sophie achieved 3rd Place in the Borough District of Drogheda 'Greener Christmas' Poetry Competition.
Lauren from Ohk Energy visited 3rd Class to teach them all about renewable energy.
Christmas decorations made from recyclables
5th Class work on Marine Explorer Project and beach clean up
Fifth Class celebrated National Tree Day by studying tree in the locality and by planting horse chestnut tree.
6th Class visited Habitat ReStore to celebrate European Waste Week.
Fundraising Global Awareness – Shoe Box Appeal
More Curriculum Work
Wildflower Seeds
5th Class planted some wildflower seeds outside the church. They will really make the church grounds look even more beautiful.
5th Class planted some wildflower seeds outside the church. They will really make the church grounds look even more beautiful.
A Visit from a Farrier
We were very lucky to have a visit from one of our parents. Larry is a farrier and he took the time to visit 1st Class to show and tell us how he takes great care of the horses.
We were very lucky to have a visit from one of our parents. Larry is a farrier and he took the time to visit 1st Class to show and tell us how he takes great care of the horses.
The Butterfly
1st Class were learning about the life cycle of the butterfly. They watched them turn from an egg into a butterfly.
1st Class were learning about the life cycle of the butterfly. They watched them turn from an egg into a butterfly.
Reusing Tyres
5th Class were busy repainting the old tyres so we could use them as plant pots.
5th Class were busy repainting the old tyres so we could use them as plant pots.
World Earth Day
To celebrate World Earth Day we gathered as a whole school and members of our committee presented at assembly. We had all of our students and staff dress in blue and or green to represent land and water. Everyone made a fantastic effort. Every class decided to take part in different activities from art projects to litter pick ups. It was great to see the school community come together for something so important!
To celebrate World Earth Day we gathered as a whole school and members of our committee presented at assembly. We had all of our students and staff dress in blue and or green to represent land and water. Everyone made a fantastic effort. Every class decided to take part in different activities from art projects to litter pick ups. It was great to see the school community come together for something so important!
National Tree Week
1st Class were busy learning about trees. They did a project in groups on trees to celebrate National Tree Week. They also made mini Cherry Blossom trees.
1st Class were busy learning about trees. They did a project in groups on trees to celebrate National Tree Week. They also made mini Cherry Blossom trees.
Energy Projects and Presentations
6th Class researched and completed projects on energy in different countries such as Sudan and Sweden and presented the projects at assembly. It was a great insight into the different forms of energy.
6th Class researched and completed projects on energy in different countries such as Sudan and Sweden and presented the projects at assembly. It was a great insight into the different forms of energy.
Habitat ReStore
The children visited Habitat ReStore in Drogheda for European Waste Awareness Week. They were given a talk on how to reduce our waste and how to reuse and upcycle
The children visited Habitat ReStore in Drogheda for European Waste Awareness Week. They were given a talk on how to reduce our waste and how to reuse and upcycle
The Heritage Council
Agri Kids
We organised a farm safety talk from Agri Kids. It was a very informative talk about the importance of safety on farmers. It was very worthwhile.
We organised a farm safety talk from Agri Kids. It was a very informative talk about the importance of safety on farmers. It was very worthwhile.
Planting Bulbs
The children were busy planting bulbs to brighten up the spring!!
The children were busy planting bulbs to brighten up the spring!!
Clean up of the Local Area
The committee thought it would be important to to encourage all classes to take part in a clean up of the local area. Well done to all involved!
The committee thought it would be important to to encourage all classes to take part in a clean up of the local area. Well done to all involved!
Growing Sunflowers
Junior Entrepreneur Programme
6th Class students sold wildflower seeds as their JEP. The children researched many different ideas for the programme. They knew the importance of having wildflowers as did the judges and so everyone was happy to proceed with this business idea. Great idea and a big well done to Rang a Sé!
6th Class students sold wildflower seeds as their JEP. The children researched many different ideas for the programme. They knew the importance of having wildflowers as did the judges and so everyone was happy to proceed with this business idea. Great idea and a big well done to Rang a Sé!
Local Farmer and Past Pupils Visit the School
Local Bee Keeper
The local bee keeper visited the school to teach the children the importance of bees.
The local bee keeper visited the school to teach the children the importance of bees.
Local Farmer Visits the School
A local farmer visited the children to teach them all about the lambs.
A local farmer visited the children to teach them all about the lambs.
Step 6: Informing and Involving
We share our news online through the school website and Facebook page. We update the noticeboard with different information. Mrs Victory and Judi have sent updates home in the Newsletter.
We share our news online through the school website and Facebook page. We update the noticeboard with different information. Mrs Victory and Judi have sent updates home in the Newsletter.
Step 7: Green Code
"Don’t Put Up a Fight,
Just Turn Off Your Light!”
Just Turn Off Your Light!”
Global Citizenship Litter and Waste
Biodiversity
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Global Citizenship Litter and Waste
We are currently working on our 6th Green flag for Global Citizenship. We are making great efforts to keep waste in our school to a minimum and to make children aware of the wider world and their place in it. We have surveyed the different nationalities represented in our school and done projects on those countries. We have also looked at the Global Goals for Sustainable Development 2020 and studied 8 of them in more detail. Different classes have taken on projects around Fairtrade products and where they are produced. Families are encouraged to buy Fairtrade items where possible. They have also taken an in depth look at recycling and our Green Schools Committee will visit the recycling centre on 14th March and present what they learn to the school at assembly. We have many more plans as the year progresses and we hope to achieve our 6th green flag this year. Our Motto The world is a gift We have to be fair Don't litter and waste Recycle, take care. 
Biodiversity in Our School This year, 2015-16, we are in the second year of our biodiversity flag. Much has been done since last year and our second survey shows that we are much more aware in our school of what biodiversity is and of its importance for our planet. We now have a wildflower garden at the front of the school and 6th class last year painted tyres in which we planted flowers. These are filled with our own compost. We even had a tomato plant peep through last year amongst the flowers. Fourth class did great work in the first term building a bug hotel which is out by the raised beds. These also produced a good harvest last year and are largely empty at the moment awaiting Spring planting. We do have some Spring flowers coming up again giving some colour. We also have a lovely display in the hall of all our many activities around biodiversity over the last two years. Our visit to inspect our work is on the 25th February. This year, 2014, we started on our 5th Green flag for biodiversity. We strive to make the children aware of the importance of biodiversity for the preservation of our planet. Our committee is up and running and we have begun our awareness raising among the children. Recently we held our art and motto competitions. The chosen motto was from 2nd class pupil, Abby Clinton. She wrote: "Animal, plants, humans too, All working together, That's what we do." Our posters are on display in the school and will be judged before Christmas. Prizes will be presented in January. |
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