Green Schools

St. Olaf’s Green Schools

St. Olaf’s is proud to announce the launch of our Green Schools Programme for 2025–2026 as we begin our journey to achieve our eighth Green School Flag, focusing on the theme of the Marine Environment.

The Marine Environment theme encourages students to understand Ireland’s connection to the ocean and our responsibility to protect it. Although there are five named oceans, they are all part of one global ocean that connects us all.

The ocean is home to rich biodiversity, provides food and resources, and acts as a major carbon sink helping to combat climate change. Ireland, as an island nation, has a maritime area seven times larger than its landmass – a fact that highlights just how important it is for us to look after our seas. Through this programme, pupils will learn all about Marine biology, ecosystems and the impact of pollution on oceans and the role the ocean plays in our lives and how we can protect it for the future.

Alongside our new marine theme, we will also continue to make St. Olaf’s as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. This year, we are re-introducing and strengthening our school-wide eco initiatives, including:

· Litter Pickers around the school grounds

· Best Bins Competition to encourage proper waste sorting

· Recycling Bins in classrooms and corridors

· Composting food waste in the staff room

· Electricity Monitors to help reduce energy use and promote awareness among classes

These efforts help us create a cleaner, greener school community while building daily habits that protect our planet.

Upcoming Green Schools Activities

We have an exciting year ahead, filled with activities and opportunities for students to get involved, including:

· Marine litter awareness

· Sea Keepers Projects

· Marine Action day

· Plastic-Free Pledge

· Climate Action Week and other awareness events throughout the year

Recycled Christmas tree decoration competition

Congratulations to everyone who took part and well done on creating some amazing decorations.

Picker Pals Programme

1^st and 2^nd class are currently taking part in the ‘Picker Pals Programme’ for the Green Schools. The children are taking turns bringing the picker pals pack home each weekend, which contains everything each child needs to go on a litter picking adventure.  They are also using their picker pal packs together as a class, to clean up the area around our school. You can spot below the amazing job they did on their recent litter picking adventure. Well done everyone!

The Big Travel Challenge, February

We are encouraging everyone to travel to school in a more sustainable way for 10 days in February. We have chosen walking as our mode of transport.  We hope to see an increase in the amount of children walking to school everyday. Helping the environment and our fitness!

Good luck everyone!