The students of Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown are working towards making their school more sustainable. Last year, through their Junior Entrepreneur project, a water bottle made from recycled materials was introduced as part of the school uniform. The idea behind this is that it eliminates single use plastic bottles. Children are encouraged to refill their bottles from one of the fountains on the school yard so it compliments their healthy lunch policy also!
This September, the students have decided to ban glitter from Art lessons. Lots of children love using glitter but it was discussed at assembly how microplastics such as glitter have a devastating effect on marine life. At Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, the students are mindful of protecting marine biodiversity, having hosted a visit from RTÉ’s Éanna ní Lamhna last week. The school took an educational field trip to Clone beach where they investigated the ecosystems there. They learned about how to detect phosphates in the streamlet running into the sea.
Other initiatives include reducing litter in classrooms and the creation of junk art. We have a beautiful green field for play on dry days and we look after our wooded area here. Scoil Ghormáin Naofa has raised five green flags and has an active green school committee who wear their badges with pride!
Greta Thunberg is a real inspiration to the students who downed tools during assembly time on Friday, 20th September in support of Global Strike for Climate Change. This inspirational young eco warrior inspires the students at Scoil Ghormáin Noafa to see that our young people can and must change the world.