1.) Welcome to the Ardscoil na Mara Environmental Newsletter!
This is a new initiative under our school's sustainability committee. The Ardscoil na Mara Sustainability Group is a student committee, and is facilitated by Mr. Kirwan. We have made it our mission to help the planet in whatever way we can, in fun and vibrant (yet productive!) ways. The group has, and will continue to, work hard both individually and as a group to help save the planet.
2.) Our Education Programe
As part of making our school community more educated about environmental conservation and sustainability, our committee introduced an education programme into our school's curriculum. This, for 3rd years, is an eight-week module, and for all other years is an actual 40-minute class. The programme is taught by Mr. Kirwan, with the help of some TY students. The programme covers things like how we can make a difference to help the planet, and who in our community has the power to make change. At the end of the programme, students are asked to come up with and complete an action or campaign that will impact positively on the environment. We thank all those who take part in this - as a community, we can make a difference!
3.) Our Group and WLR
Some of the students from our group spoke on WLR about the climate crisis. Some spoke on three-minute sessions on "The Big Breakfast Blaa", while others spoke on a two-hour special feature run by Damien Tiernan's "Déise Today". The students gave their opinion about the climate crisis, and gave solutions to help solve the crisis. Well done to all involved!
4.) Our Projects
Here is a list of some of the projects we will be working on this year:
-Of course, the newsletter!
-A climate café, where students can talk about their climate anxiety with other like-minded peers over a cup of tea and a biscuit
-Introducing a book rental scheme into the school
-Achieving a plastic-free school
-Setting up a refill station, where pre-used containers of products like shampoo and sanitizer can be refilled (part of our plastic-free school plan)
-Partnerships, E.G. working with Waterford Council
5.) Major Reports
This year, as part of the newsletter, we will be launching three major reports. These will be titled "Sustainable Housing", "Ways We Can Become More Sustainable" and "Climate Change: 2020-2050". Stay posted for updates on this!
6.) Major Events
COP26 is taking place in Glasgow from the 31st October - 12th November 2021. Many senior, business and world leaders will be attending this very important event in attempts to keep our carbon emissions down.
To tie in with this, the Climate and Nature Summit is taking place around the country simultaneously. As part of this, videos will be played regarding certain issues around climate change. Possible solutions and actions will be given at the end of each video session. Students may be asked to complete some activities about the various topics. More on this in our next newsletter!
7.) Get Involved!
If you want to get involved, raise awareness and help to fight climate change in our school community, please:
-Contact Mr. Kirwan (patrickkirwan@ardscoilnamara.ie)
-Keep your eye on the noticeboards for future events, initiatives and groups
-Contact any sustainability group member
8.) Our Team
We have many brilliant students on our committee that would be delighted to help you and answer questions you may have, as well as take any suggestions the committee may be able to do.
Throughout the year we will be including pictures and short biographies of committee members in the newsletter.
9.) Waterford City and County Council Litter Challenge
The committee, alongside Ms. Robinson, has signed up to this event. The school, lead by second years, will clean up an area around the school, as well as do one of these three actions:
-Attending a Conscious Cup workshop on how to encourage shops and cafés to be more sustainable
-Running a social media campaign about litter and waste prevention
-Running a poster campaign in the school and community about litter and waste prevention
If you want to get involved, please contact Mr. Kirwan, Ms. Robinson or any Sustainability Committee member. Good luck to all who are involved!
10.) Christmas Wish Competition
As part of the newsletter, we are running a competition for students to tell us what they want for the planet for Christmas. Their wishes can be anything from planting more trees to people taking more action. Students should leave their wishes in the envelope marked "Christmas Wishes" on the Lab19 door. This is for a chance to have their thoughts published in a special video, made by the creators of this newsletter!
Written by Niamh Purcell
Edited by Tom Andrews
With Thanks to Mr. Kirwan and Ms. Denton