OUR Lady of Good Counsel Boys National School, Johnstown, has won the 2016 Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Tidy Schools competition.
Success is no stranger to the boys having previously won the title in 2014.
This year their efforts were redoubled, exemplified by the installation of a new polytunnel made entirely from recycled material.
The boys also learned how to make flower and jam from the produce grown on school grounds. This was a real team effort, with parent helpers and local residents’ groups regularly assisting in the school gardens. All their efforts were rewarded when cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Saul presented the prestigious Tidy Schools Trophy to the schools’ representatives.
A total of 32 primary schools entered this year’s Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Tidy Schools competition, with representatives attending the awards ceremony in County Hall on Wednesday, May 26.
As part of the Tidy Schools initiative, participating schools are judged not only on their cleanliness but also their floral displays, initiatives to support wildlife, litter and waste education and links with their local community to maintain a clean environment.
All participating schools receive a cash prize and a certificate from the cathaoirleach. The overall winner, Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys National School, Johnstown was also presented with the prestigious Tidy Schools trophy.
As he presented the prize to the winning school, the cathaoirleach remarked: “All the children here today are setting an excellent example for everyone in their local communities, their parents, brothers and sisters, neighbours and friends.
“It is through these young people that we can get the anti-litter and environmentally friendly message out into the community.”
Dean Eaton, Assistant Environmental Awareness Officer, added: “As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to environmental education, we work closely with schools across Dún Laoghaire Rathdown by providing posters, educational material and practical advice on waste collection, recycling, composting, water and energy conservation and biodiversity.
“We’re delighted to see so many schools participating in the Tidy Schools competition, and would like to thank and congratulate them all for their efforts.”
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council also runs the Green Schools programme; provides bags, gloves and litter pickers to local schools for clean-ups and undertakes school visits to discuss environmental issues, such as litter and waste, energy, water and travel. The Awareness team also provides posters and educational material to schools in the local area regarding environmental issues and offers impartial advice regarding waste collections, recycling, and the conservation of water and energy resources in schools.
In addition to the Tidy Schools Competition, the Environmental Awareness team also runs a popular Recycled Christmas Decoration Competition for primary schools each December, and an eco-conference event for secondary schools.