ENV 7

Dear Parent,

Now that this term is all but over, we need to reflect a little on progress with our Green “Campaign”. Firstly I want to thank all those children who have helped on our Green Committee throughout the last four months. It is wonderful to see such enthusiasm and interest in an area that is becoming increasingly significant in all our lives – particularly now that bin charges are starting to bite.

As far as progress is concerned, we now have a compost bin and all organic waste is deposited here daily. Our leaf bin is completely full – we really need a second one of these – and we hope to have some excellent compost in a couple of years. As spring approaches, we are starting to consider the school garden and look forward to developing a garden that has year round appeal. Donations of seeds, plants, cloches, etc. are of course very welcome at all times!

We are testing water saving devices in the toilets beside the hall. These little gadgets lessen the length of flush considerably and if installed in all toilets should reduce our water bill significantly. We’ll let you know what transpires here.

Finally, now that Christmas is upon us and millions of cards are in circulation, please remember to let us have your stamps. These are still going to the Irish Peatland Conservancy Council – they need funding to educate us about the nature and value of our bogs. To this end, as far as is possible, we will use peat free products in our garden and at the very least supplement peat with a more environmentally alternative such as COIR (coconut fibre). Please remember that we also collect for recycling all those batteries that will be used during this festive period. We had our first battery collection about a month ago. Where possible, please remember that rechargeable batteries are the most environmentally friendly way of powering our devices!

On another note, Sixth Class will be at Young Scientist 2005 in the RDS from 13th – 15th January. This is our 5th year exhibiting a project and this year our topic is “Electricity”. We hope to have a section on solar power at the show – this will be Christmas Holiday work! Please come and visit us – it makes such a difference to see familiar faces.

So from all members of the Green Committee (and indeed our Young Scientists in 6th), we wish you a very happy, peaceful, safe Christmas and look forward to an interesting and exciting 2005.

Very best wishes,

James Malseed
(Green Schools Coordinator)