This article is from page 29 of the 2008-01-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 29 JPG
BAREFIELD National School con- tinued their push for green school status last week with events focusing on healthy eating.
Barefield has been a green flag school since 2002 and since that time staff and students have really embraced the programme.
There are seven steps in the pro- gramme. The school must set up a green school committee, carry out a green review and decide on an ac- tion plan for the school. All progress must be monitored, measured and evaluated. Then green schools pro- eramme is also incorporated into
school curriculum work.
The school must also involve and inform the local community and cre- ate a green code before being award- ed full green flag status.
So far the school has made great strides and received recognition for work done on litter and waste man- agement, energy and water.
Ata presentation on Friday, students presented a report on the progress so far. Last year the school initiated a healthy lifestyle programme with the help of all teachers, pupils and parents. Students are encouraged to bring healthy lunches to school and the programme is to form a major part of the school’s push for green
flag status in the coming years.
Other projects undertaken include the reporting of leaking and dripping taps and compiling surveys on water conservation.
School principal Paddy Conroy praised the enthusiasm of students and teachers.
He said, “Well done to all of the school and a special thank you to all the teachers in every single class and all your help and patience in helping the school with the all the different projects. We also got great support and advice from the environmental section of Clare County Council”.
The green schools programme is an international education programme,
which helps students to recognise the importance of environmental issues and take them more seriously in their personal and home lives. In Ireland the programme is administered by An Taisce.
The Green Schools initiative has gone from strength to strength since it was launched in Ireland in 1997. Eleven award ceremonies are being held this month. Over 2,000 Irish schools are registered for the pro- eramme, representing over 49 per cent of all the schools in the coun- a7
Barefield National School is hop- ings to achieve green school status by 2009.