ECO Schools NI Newsletter

The December 2009 issue of the Eco-Schools NI Newsletter is now online. You can download it from http://www.tidynorthernireland.org/eco-schools/publications/index.php

Sustainable Schools

In Northern Ireland the term Sustainable Schools has been used to describe schools who have enough pupils to remain open. Elsewhere in the UK and Europe this term is very much linked to Sustainable Development and describes schools where the whole community is involved in caring for their school and local environment.

Visit the Teachernet sustainable schools pages to find out more and see some of the planning and resources. http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools/framework/framework_detail.cfm

Darkley Primary School gains first Green Flag

On 20th November 2009 Darkley Primary School received their first Green Flag. They also celebrated securing a highly commended in the Best Kept Schools’ competition. Congratulations to everyone involved.

News from ECO school committees

Recently the ECO committee in three schools emailled me to share what they had done to gain an ECO Green Flag.
1. Killylea Primary School who have just been awarded their third Green Flag focused on the area of sustainable transport and their campaign successfully changed the views of parents and children about travelling to school. This school is also celebrating being one of the finalists in the Sustainable Ireland Awards.
2. Drumadonnell Primary School's committee led campaigns against litter and energy waste and encouraged healthy eating.
3. The ECO Warriors of St Joseph's Primary School, Bessbrook reminded everyone to switch of lights and save energy.

Congratulations to all three schools.

ECO committees join the blog and tell me what you've been doing.

ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards 2010

Take part in Ireland's all island awards programme for young people between the ages of 12 and 18, by carrying out an environmental project in your local area.
Registration Deadline 27th November 2009
Contact ECO-UNESCO for more details
email info@ecounesco.ie or visit the website http://www.ecounesco.ie

ECO-UNESCO National Youth Forum

The ECO UNESCO National Youth Forum for 15-18 year olds in taking place in Dublin on Wednesday 25th November 2009. Contact ECO-UNESCO for more details
email info@ecounesco.ie or visit the website http://www.wcounesco.ie
This is an opportunity for young people to voice their views, meet the experts and learn about how they can take action on Climate Change.

Tree Day on 10th November

All existing and newly registered Breathing Places schools are encouraged to get involved in TREE DAY on the 10th November. All registered schools will be offered a free native rowan tree sapling for planting at school. Visit the Breathing Places for Schools site to find out more.

Schools may also be approached to participate in the record breaking tree planting event on 5th December. http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/treeoclock/pledgeform.shtml

One World Week and World Food Day

There are two world wide events coming up in October. One World Week begins on the 18th October and World Food Day is the previous Wednesday 16th October. You can find out about both events and other Global themes relevant to ESD and Citizenship on the Global Dimensions website. http://www.globaldimension.org.uk Find out what other schools are doing and use the free online library to support global, intercultural and environmental learning.

Green Living Fair, Castle Espie

Visit the Green Living Fair on 12 & 13 September at Caste Espie Wetland Centre, Co Down.

The theme for this anniversary year is “creating pathways for resilience”. Over the two days of the Fair there will be a varied programme of events, workshops, talks and activities reflecting this theme as well as a range of exhibitors promoting fair trade, conservation, sustainable transport options, organic food, renewable energies and more.

You can download the full programme from the link below:

http://www.wwt.org.uk/admin/xstandard/ws/CE%20GLFair%20no%20crops.pdf

SELB schools achieve Green Flag Status

Congratulations to the following schools who were awarded with Green Flags

ECO Awards 2008-9
Ballytrea PS, Cookstown 1st Green Flag
Bleary PS, Craigavon 1st Green Flag
Darkley PS, Armagh 1st Green Flag
Dromore NS 1st Green Flag
Drumadonnell PS 1st Green Flag
Fair Hill PS, Dromore 2nd Green Flag
Killean PS, Newry 1st Green Flag
Killylea PS, Armagh 3rd Green Flag
Orchard County PS 1st Green Flag
St Anhony’s PS, Craigavon 1st Green Flag
St Clare’s Convent PS, Newry 1st Green Flag
St Joseph’s PS, Bessbrook 1st Green Flag
St Joseph’s PS, Meigh 1st Green Flag
St Mary’s PS, Glassdrumman 1st Green Flag
The Grove Nursery School, Armagh 1st Green Flag
Woods PS, Magherafelt 1st Green Flag

NIEA announces new Environmental Award for Young People

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), in partnership with Sustainable Ireland have launced a new award, "Most inspiring Environmental Project by Young People. Projects can be drawn from any area within environmental education such as waste management, recycling or protection of wildlife habitats. Visit http://www.sustainableireland.co.uk/awards for more information.

SELB schools receive Green Flags

This year many schools have registered with ECO schools and are working towards a Bronze, Silver or Green Flag award. Congratulations to four SELB schools have gained their first Green Flag this year:
Killean PS, Newry
St Clare's Convent PS, Newry
St Joseph's PS, Bessbrook
ST Joseph's PS Meagh
and to Fair Hill PS, Dromore, who have been awarded their second Green Flag.

World Environment Day

Concerns about our planet and its environment are becoming more relevant and increasingly publicised every day. Threats to our environment can only be improved by actions taken today, and commitments made in all areas of society.
The environmental education of the young generation is therefore an important consideration in schools, which makes World Environment Day (WED 5th June) a key date in your school calendar.

Visit the United nations site to learn more http://www.unep.org/wed/2009/english/content/about.asp

The theme for this year is:

"Your Planet needs you to UNite to combat Climate Change".

Welcome

Welcome to the SELB environment news blog. Keep up to date with events, developments and resources and let us know what is is happening in your school.