Did you know that across the country, Green-Schools students have diverted 9,500 tonnes (the weight of 80 blue whales) of waste from landfills under the national theme of Litter and Waste? This incredible statistic was contributed to by our own school’s Green Team of 5th and 6th years last year. Despite lockdown, the team organised litter clean-ups, an Earth Day campaign and spread the word about litter and waste on social media. All their hard work paid off on Monday 4th October at an online ceremony, when the school was awarded the eco-schools Green Flag. Guest speakers (including Derry Girls actress Nicola Coughlan) spoke at the ceremony, and schools were commended for their dedication to sustainability.

During the week following the ceremony, the new TY recruits met with the original Green Team and the flag was raised. Work is already underway in the school, with the guidance of Ms. Fitzpatrick and Ms. O’Shea to achieve another Green Flag under this year’s Water theme. With the launch of the new high-tech water dispensers around school, we have started a campaign to encourage people to start bringing reusable water bottles to school. The Green Team are also participating in a Walk for Water to raise awareness about women and children around the world who walk an average of 6km a day to access water and have to carry up to 20 litres of water on their backs. More exciting projects for the Green Team are on their way including competitions, Water Ambassadors and a National Water Day in March.

Sophie Peare (TY)