Sustainability is a key priority in our school and is embedded in many aspects of school life. Our school is currently working towards the renewal of our Global Citizenship: Litter & Waste Green Flag, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and encouraging positive change within our school community, with students and staff work together to promote environmental responsibility, reduce waste and develop an awareness of global sustainability issues
Central to this work is our active Green Team, which includes over 90 students from across all year groups, along with members of staff and representatives from the Parents Council and Board of Management. This group plays an important leadership role in promoting sustainable practices throughout the school. Students work closely with staff to oversee our various projects, run environmental awareness campaigns and encourage the entire school community to make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives. Additionally, we have over 30 students who are trained as Climate Ambassadors through An Taisce and received an ‘Outstanding Achievement’ Award in 2025, in recognition of their commitment to sustainability in the school community and beyond.
Ongoing initiatives include the WEEE Battery Recycling Competition, ReTurn Project, Tree Planting Project, Garden of Remembrance, a shared bookshelf where students and staff can exchange books, and a uniform appeal to support families in our school community. Our students also lead creative reuse projects, including collecting election posters from local political campaigns and repurposing them for art and drama activities within the school.
Community engagement is another important part of our sustainability efforts. Each year the school hosts an E-Waste Recycling Day in partnership with KMK Metals, providing an opportunity for students, families and members of the wider community to responsibly dispose of old electrical items and learn more about the importance of recycling electronic waste.
Our commitment to sustainability also extends to growing food and promoting biodiversity through our involvement in the GIY (Grow It Yourself) Ireland School Garden Project. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience in planting, maintaining and harvesting vegetables while learning about sustainable food systems, biodiversity and the importance of caring for the natural environment. The development of composting systems within the school further supports this work by allowing food waste to be recycled into nutrient-rich compost for use in the garden.
Environmental awareness is also integrated across the curriculum. Subjects such as Geography, Science, CSPE, Art and Home Economics explore topics including sustainable development, waste reduction, the circular economy and global citizenship. These learning experiences help students understand how environmental challenges affect communities around the world and encourage them to consider how their own actions can contribute to positive change.
Through student leadership, community involvement and curriculum integration, our school continues to build a culture of sustainability. By working together as a school community, we aim to develop lifelong habits that help protect our environment and support a more sustainable future for everyone.
Climate Ambassadors with President Catherine Connolly, November 2025
Outstanding Achievement Award, 2025 Climate Ambassador Awards