Green Flag raised at Glasheen BNS - Cork Independent News

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Green Flag raised at Glasheen BNS

Written by Staff Reporter

Thursday, 05 June 2008

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There was great excitement on the campus of Glasheen BNS last week as the Green Flag for litter reduction was raised by Cork City Star, and past pupil, Neal Horgan.

Green-Schools, known internationally as Eco-Schools, is an international environmental education programme, environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment.

Over the past two years the school community, led by a committee of pupils, parents and staff, have been working together to achieve green flag status. During this time pupils carried out a survey of waste in the school and devised a strategy which led to refuse in the school being reduced by 50%. David Macilwraith, 3rd Class pupil outlined "Over the past two years we have been very busy trying to make our school a green school. We recycle our waste material and also have a compost bin. The committee meets every few weeks and we have an action plan that we are following." The committee has also run competitions to promote the green message within the school and have organised training for all staff members.

Sam Mulcahy, 4th Class pupil, went on to explain "We were finally awarded the green flag in February after the school was inspected. After that we decided we would have a celebration in school because of all our hard work. We decided we'd ask Neal Horgan to raise the flag because he's a famous past pupil". Neal Horgan was a member of the Cork City's Eircom League Winning Campaign in 2005.

Speaking at the event Principal Michael Daly said 'This flag raising ceremony is another milestone in what has been a wonderful year for Glasheen Boys School. In recent months we were awarded Health Promoting School Status. Our Quiz and Sports Teams have also achieved unprecedented success. Just last Sunday our boys won the Munster Final of the NPC Interschools Quiz. We will be competing in the Sciath na Scol Hurling Final on Wednesday next."

Committee member, and parent, Fiona O Sullivan said "Today is the result of a sustained effort by pupils, parents and staff. We have worked hard to reduce our litter and be environmentally conscious. This will benefit not only our school but also the wider community as pupils become more civic and environmentally minded. It is a very proud day for Glasheen Boys School."

Cllr Terry Shannon, Deputy Lord Mayor, local councilors and other dignitaries were also in attendance at the event.

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