There was great excitement in Scoil Bhríde Boys’ National School, Tullamore, as pupils, staff and invited guests gathered to celebrate the raising of the school’s new Green-Schools Global Citizenship Travel Flag and Active School Flag.
The ceremony which took place on Wednesday, June 17 marked the culmination of a tremendous whole-school effort to encourage environmentally friendly travel and promote physical activity among the pupils.
Both flags recognise the commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by the boys, staff, families and wider school community.
Among those present for the special occasion were Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Councillor Declan Harvey, Councillor Aoife Masterson, An Taisce Green-Schools Travel Officer Laura Tannion, Liam O’Reilly of Offaly Sports Partnership and Caroline Clancy, Environmental Awareness Officer with Offaly County Council.
The school was also delighted to welcome back past pupil and former Irish rugby sevens athlete Jordan Conroy, whose sporting achievements provided great inspiration for the pupils.
Under the guidance of Green-Schools Coordinator Seán McCann, the school worked towards achieving its Global Citizenship Travel Flag by examining how pupils travelled to school and encouraging more sustainable choices.
The Active School Flag was coordinated by teacher Declan Hogan. Throughout the year, pupils were given many opportunities to become more active and to experience a wide range of sports and physical activities.
The double flag celebration demonstrated what can be achieved when pupils, staff and the community work together. Scoil Bhríde BNS now looks forward to continuing its efforts to make active living and environmentally friendly travel a central part of school life.
Photos courtesy of Niall O’Mara.
5. Scoil Bhride Principal Kieran Dufficy, Students of the Green Schools Committee with Jordan Conroy and Declan Hogan in front raising their newly earned Green-Schools Global Citizenship Travel Flag.
Niall O'Mara Photography
6. Back: Scoil Bhride Principal Kieran Dufficy, Jordan Conroy, Active School’s students, Cathaoirleach Declan Harvey, Joan Lennon and Caroline Clancy. Front: Declan Hogan, Sean McCann and Liam O’Reilly (Offaly Sports Partnership) raise the Active School Flag.
Niall O'Mara Photography
7. Back: Scoil Bhride Principal Kieran Dufficy, Jordan Conroy, Active School’s students, Cathaoirleach Declan Harvey, Joan Lennon and Caroline Clancy. Front Declan Hogan, Sean McCann and Liam O’Reilly (Offaly Sports Partnership) raise the Active School Flag.
Niall O'Mara Photography
8. Scoil Bhride BNS Green Schools Committee students with Sean McCann, Caroline Clancy, Cllr Declan Harvey (new Offaly Cathaoirleach), Jordan Conroy and Declan Hogan, Laura Tannion, Garda Gillian Mc Ellin, Cllr. Aoife Masterson and LIam O'Reilly (from Offaly Sports Partnership) raise the Green-Schools Global Citizenship Travel Flag.
Niall O'Mara Photography