The History of Christ the Saviour N.S. as a 'Green School'
Ballingarry N.S was awarded its first Green Flag in 2009. This award is made to schools who are actively looking after the environment. This Green Flag involved recycling, reducing litter, creating a school garden and learning about the environment.
Our second Green Flag was awarded in 2011 for our work on Energy conservation.
We raised our third Green Flag in 2013. We were awarded the flag for our work on conserving water in our school. We learnt how to conserve water to protect our environment.
In 2015, we received the Green Flag for our work on travel. This flag involved organising ‘Walk to School’ days.
In 2017, we were awarded our fifth Green Flag on the theme of biodiversity. We developed the school garden, created a sensory garden and increased our awareness of all the plants and animals in our locality.
We are currently working to achieve our 6th Green Flag, based on the topic of 'Global Citizenship - Litter and Waste'. Have a read below to find out about our latest developments.
Our second Green Flag was awarded in 2011 for our work on Energy conservation.
We raised our third Green Flag in 2013. We were awarded the flag for our work on conserving water in our school. We learnt how to conserve water to protect our environment.
In 2015, we received the Green Flag for our work on travel. This flag involved organising ‘Walk to School’ days.
In 2017, we were awarded our fifth Green Flag on the theme of biodiversity. We developed the school garden, created a sensory garden and increased our awareness of all the plants and animals in our locality.
We are currently working to achieve our 6th Green Flag, based on the topic of 'Global Citizenship - Litter and Waste'. Have a read below to find out about our latest developments.
Green School Committee 2019/2020
Global Citizenship - Litter and Waste Team
In order to choose the correct people to represent our school on the 'Green School Committee', we held elections in the school. Those who wished to be nominated put their names forward to their class teacher and they began preparing speeches. Each class gave their nominees time to deliver their speeches and the voting began.
The following people are our representatives for the school on the Green School Committee for 2019/2020:
Thomas Kamper and Karly McKiernan (Junior Infants)
Sadhbh O'Donnell and Diarmuid Hanley (Senior Infants)
Bill O'Neill and Charlotte Brady (1st Class)
James Tierney and Diarmuid Óg Doody (2nd / 3rd)
Aoife O'Sullivan and Dylan Cierans (3rd/4th)
Muireann O'Sullivan and Alyssa Martin (5th)
Megan Morrissey and Patrick Cagney (6th)
John Joe Carmody (School Caretaker)
Eibhlin Murphy (Co-ordinator)
Rebecca Cleary (Principal)
The following people are our representatives for the school on the Green School Committee for 2019/2020:
Thomas Kamper and Karly McKiernan (Junior Infants)
Sadhbh O'Donnell and Diarmuid Hanley (Senior Infants)
Bill O'Neill and Charlotte Brady (1st Class)
James Tierney and Diarmuid Óg Doody (2nd / 3rd)
Aoife O'Sullivan and Dylan Cierans (3rd/4th)
Muireann O'Sullivan and Alyssa Martin (5th)
Megan Morrissey and Patrick Cagney (6th)
John Joe Carmody (School Caretaker)
Eibhlin Murphy (Co-ordinator)
Rebecca Cleary (Principal)
Green Flag Celebration 2017
We had a great celebration on Tuesday the 24th of October when we celebrated ten years as a Green School with the raising of our 5th Green Flag!! Our fifth theme was ‘Biodiversity’ and we are so proud of all the work and developments that have taken place in our school to achieve this flag. Over the past ten years students, teachers, school staff, Board of Management members and community members have all worked together as a team to achieve the many things we are proud of, including reducing litter and waste, harvesting rainwater, saving energy, walking to school initiatives and our wonderful school garden and bird observatory. Our special guest on the day was local author and ethno-botanist, Theresa Storey-Cosgrave, who has been a wonderful and consistent support to the Green School project. Theresa kindly raised our fifth flag which is now flying proudly at the front of the school. We want to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to our ever supportive Parents Council who provided a lovely bag of treats for each pupil in the school and looked after the Tea/Coffee and refreshments that were served in the Community Hall supper room at the end of the ceremony. Ms. Hanley presented Theresa and Mrs. Murphy with beautiful wild flower bouquets on behalf of the school as a token of gratitude. All children who were members of the Green School Biodiversity committee, past and present, were given certificates to remember their dedication to the work over the past two years. Our wonderful secretary, Sheila O’Reilly, organised a delicious cake from Deel Bakery to mark the occasion, not a crumb of cake was left over! Photographers from the Observer and Limerick Leader newspapers turned up to record the special occasion. Work on our 6th flag begins now under the theme of ‘Global Citizenship and Litter & Waste.’
Meet our Green Schools Committee 2017/2018
10th Year Celebration
On Tuesday 24th October 2017, Christ the Saviour N.S. celebrated 10 years of participation in the Green-Schools programme. We also raised our fifth Green flag which we were awarded before the Summer holidays on the theme of Biodiversity. There was a special gathering over in the hall where all the boys and girls, their families and members of the community got to take a trip down memory lane. Mrs. Murphy our Green-Schools co-ordinator presented a beautiful slideshow with images spreading back as far as 10 years. It was wonderful to see all the hard work that has happened in the school throughout the years. After we went back to the school where our local ethnobotanist , Thersea Storey Cosgrave along with the two youngest pupils in the school raised our fifth Green flag.We would like to thank everyone who came along to celebrate this day with us but also a special thanks to everyone who was involved throughout the years in making all of this happen. Check out the slideshow of images from the days events!
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Biodiversity is the fifth Green-Schools theme and looks at steps which can be taken to increase awareness of the importance of native plants, animals and habitats, and to increase species-richness in a locality. We received great news yesterday (24/04/17) that we have been awarded this fifth flag! Congratulations to all the boys and girls involved, and a special thank you to Mrs Murphy for her Trojan work and dedication in pursuing the flag.
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Biodiversity
On 14th March we were very lucky to have a special visit from our Biodiversity expert, Geoff Hunt. He began his day with 2nd and 3rd class teaching us all about local garden birds. Our classroom has three bird feeding posts located outside our windows. We learned mainly about the Tit Family and Finch Family during this visit. The children explored ways of identifying correctly Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch and Greenfinch. We also explored the Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coat Tit. The children learned to identify these birds according to their colour, certain behaviours and their individual songs. The children learned how to expertly draw a Blue Tit. Not only did the children thoroughly enjoy their lesson, they also learned so much from Geoff.
Bird Feeders
As part of our Green Schools Biodiversity programme we have recently set up some bird feeders. The steel posts were kindly made by our chairman Kevin Kennedy. The children in Mrs. Murphy's 2nd and 3rd class put the feeders in place on Monday 21st November, just in time for the cold snap of weather. We hope to encourage a variety of wild birds to our school yard. The posts have been erected outside classroom windows and will act as bird observatory areas.
The children in 2nd and 3rd class have been thoroughly enjoying our new bird observatory in our classroom. We have seen many birds since the feeders were put in place. We have discovered that the little Blue Tit birds love to eat peanuts, the House sparrow and Blackcaps love the fat ball feed and the Robins have been eating the wild bird seed. Of course some very cheeky crows and Jackdaws have been doing their best to eat here too.
The children in 2nd and 3rd class have been thoroughly enjoying our new bird observatory in our classroom. We have seen many birds since the feeders were put in place. We have discovered that the little Blue Tit birds love to eat peanuts, the House sparrow and Blackcaps love the fat ball feed and the Robins have been eating the wild bird seed. Of course some very cheeky crows and Jackdaws have been doing their best to eat here too.
5th and 6th learnt about World War II in history. It was very interesting but very sad to learn about all the lives that were lost. In memory of all the children who died in concentration camps, we took part in The Crocus Project. We planted crocus bulbs that will (hopefully) bloom in the spring. Keep an eye on the flower bed at the front of the school for progress.
Many thanks |
Here's our Board Of Management Chairperson, Kevin Kennedy, and Ms. Murphy's father-in-law, Joe Murphy, busy working on our school's new sensory garden. A big thank you to both men for their hard work! Both teachers and pupils really appreciate it!
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Our School Garden
Our School Garden is under major reconstruction at the moment. Mrs. Murphy's father-in-law, Joe has lent us his expertise and is working so hard creating a beautiful , child-friendly garden. Check out the amazing progress so far. Thanks to Joe for his hard work, and also Mrs. Murphy for your amazing contribution to our Green School's effort!
Craft ED
15/06: Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s CRAFTed programme gives primary school children and teachers an exciting opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills by working with professional craftspeople. Ballingarry N.S. was one of four Limerick schools to be chosen to participate in the 2016 programme. Mr. Keogh was the school facilitator and attended planning meetings in the Education Centre in Limerick, where he met the chosen artist, Kate O'Kelly. Kate, an NCAD art graduate, multiple award winner, and accomplished and decorated ceramic artist, was eager to help us create something meaningful for our school. After much thought and consideration we decided to create something around the theme of nature, as our school is in pursuit of our fifth green flag , where biodiversity is the theme.
Over ten sessions in term three, the 6th class pupils created the most beautiful ceramic birdhouses , which will be spread across our school gardens, and will hopefully attract numerous birds for us to observe.
Thank You so much Kate for aiding in these creations. We really appreciate your hard work!
Over ten sessions in term three, the 6th class pupils created the most beautiful ceramic birdhouses , which will be spread across our school gardens, and will hopefully attract numerous birds for us to observe.
Thank You so much Kate for aiding in these creations. We really appreciate your hard work!
Fairy Garden
08/06: Here in Christ the Saviour N.S. we have been very busy setting up our beautiful and magical fairy garden. It is still a work in progress but we are very proud of our work. Check out our creations so far! This garden is just one element towards our Biodiversity Green Flag.
Fairy Garden
30/05: As many of you will have heard, we're creating a fairy village here in school. Each class is busy designing their flower pots, and here's the one Mr. Keogh has done with his boys and girls. We're all excited to see the finished village very soon.
***Check In to Hotel Insect***
27/04/2016- 4th and 5th class pupils constructed our '5 star' Insect Hotel in the school garden, as part of the Green Schools Biodiversity programme. We will look forward to checking out all the bugs and insects that visit our hotel!! We used old wooden pallets, timber, carpet, pipes, straw, hay, cardboard and some plastic bottles in the construction and we think it looks great.
Raising the flag
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What a special day in
school today, as we welcomed back past pupils and teachers, parents, and
sporting stars for the official raising of our fourth Green Flag. Big thanks are
owed to Ms. Murphy who put in Trojan work to achieve the flag, and Ms.
Fitzgerald who continued her marvellous work while Ms. Murphy was on maternity
leave. Also, a big thank you to our principal, Ms. Cleary, our deputy
principal, Ms. Hanley, and all the teachers and staff in the school, along with
all the boys and girls-it is through your hard work and co-operation that we
have reached this proud milestone. We were very excited that local sporting
hero, Donal O’Grady, could be here to share in
our special day, and also to Kevin Kennedy, our Chairperson, for his support today
too! Lastly to the parents who, through supporting our many Walk To School events throughout the last two years, have helped
us achieve our flag also. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir!! |
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Collecting our fourth Green-Schools flag
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Last Wednesday, 27th of May, Mr. Keogh, along with
Padraig, Aimee, and Ellen travelled to Cork to collect the school’s fourth
green flag. The flag was awarded to us for our work on the Travel Theme. Our
day started early, as our bus for Cork departed at 8am. Tired, but excited, we
took off in high spirits! We were greeted on arrival by Angela Wall, our green
school’s advisor. Next we went into the big hall and met people from over forty
other Limerick schools, each being awarded a green flag. The highest flag being
awarded on the day was flag six. It was awarded to Catherine McAuley School in the city. We looked on respectively, all
looking forward to the day we’d be collecting our sixth flag! After collecting
our certificate award and flag from the environmental officers, we felt as
proud as punch. We were treated to a gorgeous lunch of lasagne and cheesecake,
before returning to school-a nice treat to finish off a fantastic day out! We
can’t wait to start working on flag number five, which focuses on the theme,
bio-diversity! |
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Walk to School day
National Walk to School Week 2015
Last week we celebrated National Walk to School Week 2015 in Christ the Saviour School. We took part in various activities to mark this event such as designing posters and also taking part in a Step it out Challenge. Pupils from Junior Infants to 6th class took part in the poster competition and we had various winners from each class. The winners of our poster competition were Lydia Hartnett and Lily O'Connor from Senior Infants and 1st class. Thea O'Brien from 1st and 2nd class and Niall Sheahan from 3rd and 4th. Pupils from 3rd to 6th class took part in the Step it Out Challenge which meant that we had to count the number of steps that we walked during small break and big break. &his was great fun. The winners were Jack Mullane from 3rd and 4th. Noelle Insley and Emma Kelly from 4th and 5th and Katelynn Collins from 6th class. Well done to all that took part in this activity.We also walked to school on last Friday whereby we hopped on the school's Walking Bus. We walked from the church all the way up to the school. 80 children from the school took part in the walk to school last Friday. Ms. Casey's class had the most pupils that walked to school and as a result the' got to keep the Golden Boot Award"or the week. We were also delighted to see that some parents and even dogs took part in our walk to school. We also got to dress up in a jersey to mark the day.We also invited Limerick Sports Partnership to the school to do various activities and fun co-operative games with the pupils in the school. We would like to say a big thank You to Kathleen,Luke, Adam and Aine for coming to our school and doing these fun games with us. We had a great time.
Last week we celebrated National Walk to School Week 2015 in Christ the Saviour School. We took part in various activities to mark this event such as designing posters and also taking part in a Step it out Challenge. Pupils from Junior Infants to 6th class took part in the poster competition and we had various winners from each class. The winners of our poster competition were Lydia Hartnett and Lily O'Connor from Senior Infants and 1st class. Thea O'Brien from 1st and 2nd class and Niall Sheahan from 3rd and 4th. Pupils from 3rd to 6th class took part in the Step it Out Challenge which meant that we had to count the number of steps that we walked during small break and big break. &his was great fun. The winners were Jack Mullane from 3rd and 4th. Noelle Insley and Emma Kelly from 4th and 5th and Katelynn Collins from 6th class. Well done to all that took part in this activity.We also walked to school on last Friday whereby we hopped on the school's Walking Bus. We walked from the church all the way up to the school. 80 children from the school took part in the walk to school last Friday. Ms. Casey's class had the most pupils that walked to school and as a result the' got to keep the Golden Boot Award"or the week. We were also delighted to see that some parents and even dogs took part in our walk to school. We also got to dress up in a jersey to mark the day.We also invited Limerick Sports Partnership to the school to do various activities and fun co-operative games with the pupils in the school. We would like to say a big thank You to Kathleen,Luke, Adam and Aine for coming to our school and doing these fun games with us. We had a great time.
December 2014 Green-Schools update
We are currently working towards achieving our 4th flag under the theme ‘Travel’. We have been working closely with our ‘Green Schools Travel Officer, Ms. Angela Wall. The pupils from 6th class have taken part in a Bicycle Safety and Cycle training day on Monday 17th of November here on the schools grounds, under the guidance of Mr. Liam Collins. The children with you their parents have been wonderful trying your very best to take part in the Walk to School event each Friday. Any morning you have the chance and the weather allows please give walking to school a try. Each Friday a tally is taken at school and the class with the most walkers and car poolers wins the ‘Golden Boot’ award for that week. The children love the experience and the fresh air and exercise makes a big impact on their concentration and energy levels for the day ahead. Angela carried out the ‘Flag Renewal Visit’ on Friday 12th of December and we are very pleased to say that she was so impressed with all the work the Green School Committee and the whole school have been doing over the past year and a half. Our application is being submitted before the school closes this week for Christmas holidays and we should hear news early in the New Year regarding our fourth Green Flag. Angela reassured the school that she was sure the school would receive the flag in April and to continue with the Walk to School events in the New Year. Well done especially to Ellen, Aimee and Padraig, the senior pupils on the committee who have worked on the Application Form and carry out the regular tallies each week.
Biodiversity- how you can help!
Take a look at our 'Travel' theme booklet...
School Garden
For the past couple of years, we have grown our own vegetables
and plants in our school garden. We prepare the soil, add compost, sow seeds
and tend to the plants. We grow lettuce, carrots, herbs and potatoes. Take a look
at our efforts from last year… |
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Litter and Waste
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Green-Schools covers many different aspects of the environment. Litter and waste is chosen as the first
theme because:
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Facts and Figures
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Energy
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