Derry school rewarded with 'Eco Green Flag' status

PICTURED ABOVE: The Steelstown PS Eco Committee pictured with their Green Flag presented to them by Gareth Lamrock, Live Here, Love Here. Pupils from left, Jake Clifford, Hannah O'Neill, Elsa Kehoe, Farah Murray, Maya O'Doherty, Tosin Kolawole and Ava Johnston. At back from left, Mrs Doorish (VP), Miss Lynch (Eco and WAU Coordinator), Gareth Lamrock (Live Here Love Here), Sarah Brown (Classroom Assistant) and Georgina Gilmore (Classroom assistant). (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Steelstown Primary School have been busy before the summer recess, picking up two awards in securing the Eco Green Flag status and winning the Best of Derry ‘Green Champions’ award.

The Green Flag Status was secured again with their work on Outdoor Learning, Transport, Litter and Fair Trade, to name but a few. The Eco Coordinator, Eco Committee, management, staff, and pupils all pulled together throughout the year to ensure these initiatives and values are embedded throughout the curriculum and daily school life.

The Green Flag will last for two years and during this time they hope to work towards ’Ambassador Status’ in the near future.

School Principal Siobhan Gillen said once again the school has lived up to expectations in achieving this two years award.

“A massive well done to everyone involved – Miss Lynch and our eco committee are the change we need, and they live out daily the change we want to see in the world - in outdoor learning, transport, litter campaigning, eco club and eco parish work, eco community project work and fair-trade work. 

“Miss Lynch has developed the children's love for learning in all eco areas. She has instilled curiosity, zest for shaping our planet and educated all on how to protect our environment, how to look after it and how we can all stand united together in doing so.

“She is also so passionate about all she does, and our children and community have blossomed with her enthusiasm and professionalism.”

Thanking Gareth Lamrock from ‘Keep NI Beautiful” for all his help throughout the year, Miss Bronagh Lynch added that all involved worked very hard to get the award and praised the hard work of assistants Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Gilmore. She also said that support from the Principal and Vice Principal also had a positive impact.

“They recognise the importance of all our initiatives and see the positive impact that environmental education has on our children, who are at the heart of everything we do.”

Steelstown Primary School’s Eco Committee pictured with Mr Reby Duffy (Caretaker) and the winning award for 'Green Champions’ at the school on Wednesday last.

Steelstown Eco Committee were also delighted to pick up the Best of Derry ‘Green Champion’ award this week. They were up against some deserving individuals and organisations, so were thrilled to win the prestigious award to add to their Green Flag Status.