ENV 9

Dear parent,

As we near the end of term, we have been considering our Green Flag renewal – we are due to be reassessed on 25th April at 10.00 a.m. – our last assessment was in April 2006. This time we are tackling water conservation. To check that we are ready for reassessment, Kate Hynes of the Environment section of Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown C.C. will visit school shortly after Easter.

In order to achieve success in our quest for this flag, it is essential both at school and in the home that we are still reusing and recycling as much as possible (emphasis on the former), that lights and computers are switched off when not required, that the school manages its heating efficiently and that children’s lunch boxes do not harbour unnecessary cling wrap and tin foil. We will be checking lunches regularly – please support us here by encouraging your children to use lunch boxes, reusable zip lock bags, paper lunch bags, etc. We have installed green buttons on all toilets that with correct use, will help us to save water – a particular issue now that schools are being charged for water usage. Some classes have been looking into this valuable resource and our Young Scientist project sought to highlight the issues involved among the wider community.

We continue our recycling programme. As you know, we recycle batteries, aluminium cans, card and paper, milk cartons, ring holders (for cans), stamps and ink jet cartridges. In this way we are reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Black plastic bags have been replaced by ‘Earth to Earth’ bags which are totally biodegradable. We need to re-examine our composting, particularly in the light of our proposed gardening next term. Texting parents as a means of communication continues – though perhaps we need to use it more often. We were one of the first primary schools to use this means of communication. If you feel you should be and are not receiving messages, please let the office know.

All in all, we are moving our ‘Green Campaign’ forward while trying to consolidate and improve upon our existing position. I will be writing a submission to the Green Schools section of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown CC this week and let’s hope for success when An Taisce visit us next month. Green Flags are not awarded lightly.

Please note that all Green Schools information (including this letter) can be viewed on our school website – http://homepage.eircom.net/~kogrange/index.html. Just follow the link, “Our ‘Green’ Project”

Thank you for your continuing support.

Best wishes,

James Malseed