In St Columba's we are absolutely passionate about looking after our environment. We want all pupils to have increased environmental awareness and a strong desire to work together with pride, to maintain and improve out world both locally and globally.
We have successfully been awarded our second green flag. There has been a huge amount of work done by all pupils and staff. This has been wonderfully led by the Eco-Council and the Eco School’s Coordinator, Mr Brunton. We have undertaken a wide range of Eco activities to improve our environment. Three of our main objectives have been increasing biodiversity, litter-picking and understanding our place in the world.
We have enjoyed every minute of this work and our pupils absolutely love their outdoor learning. This has proven so popular and important for pupil wellbeing that we have created a new sensory garden and an outdoor classroom.
We had a wonderful opening ceremony in June 2017 led by Dr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and we were joined by many other distinguished guests and friends. Huge thanks must go to the Conservation Volunteers who worked so hard to help us create the garden. Thanks also to our PTA and the Mid-Ulster District Council who helped fund this project.
We are delighted to be part of a parish wide commitment to environmental work. In September 2017 Ballinascreen Eco-Schools was formed involving the five parish schools; St Mary’s, St Eoghan’s, Gaelscoil na Spéiríní and St Columba’s and our local secondary school, St Colm’s. We are also working with local businesses, elected representatives, community organisations, charities and statutory bodies. Keep an eye out for all the great things happening in your community. In the meantime, you can have a look at some of the photos to see what has been done so far. Keep Screen Green!!
