Clonlisk N.S.

Clonlisk N.S. - Green Schools' Projects

Our Green-Schools Committee was first established in 2007, to tackle the problem of litter and waste in the school. The committee consists of the Green-Schools Co-ordinator, two members of staff, one parent and two class representatives from first to sixth class.
New members are elected on an annual basis to help create new ideas to maintain our Green School status and to encourage everybody to work towards our next flag.

Litter and Waste:
We achieved our Green School status in 2007 and An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, raised the flag for us in April 2008. After conducting a waste audit, we drew up a plan of action to combat litter in the yard and to improve our general waste management in the school. Consequently, we managed to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Energy:
We are currently working towards our Energy Flag, and the Committee has been very busy finding ways to reduce the amount of energy consumed in the school.
A ‘Switch it Off!’ campaign is in full swing and each class has appointed a Power Ranger (for switching off sockets and unplugging electrical appliances) and a Lighthouse Keeper (for ensuring that lights are switched off when we don’t need them). Our thermostats have also been turned down by at least 1?C in each room.


Visitors to the School:
The pupils had a talk on alternative energy uses from iBotz who showed us a model car fueled from hydrogen. We also received a free recycled computer from Rehab after recycling old electrical appliances in the school. Our latest visit was from Grass Roots Education who put on a fabulous shadow puppet show based on climate change and the importance of caring for the environment. This excellent performance was enjoyed by all!

Guzzler:
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) sent our school an education pack full of helpful tips on how to save energy. The pack is based on a character called Guzzler – a friendly monster who uses too much energy. Each class is now familiar with Guzzler and experiments and games from the pack have been used to encourage all pupils to be more energy aware in their everyday lives.