St Mary’s PPS hold a day of action

Pupils and teachers at St. Mary’s Parish Primary School, Bryanstown held a Day of Action on Wednesday 21st February last, as part of the Green Schools Travel Programme in their bid to be awarded a prestigious fourth ‘Green Flag’ for the school.

Over the course of the Action Day, children were encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by travelling to school in a ‘green way’. This included taking the bus, walking, cycling or even scooting to school. Parents of pupils living farther away were asked to carpool or to ‘Park & Stride’, i.e. to begin their journey by car and then to complete the rest of journey on foot.

Later, pupils of all ages enjoyed a range of themed activities and events. Firstly there were educational workshops hosted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Next there was a ‘Scoot Around the School’ event for older children as well as an animal - themed walk for the younger ones. Finally came the highlight of the day - a flash mob - whereby all 1100 pupils performed a set dance routine to the theme tune of popular R.S.A television advertisement ‘ The Safe Cross Code’.

St. Mary’s Parish Primary embodies the principles of the Green Schools programme in action. According to Green School Coordinator Ms Redden, there has been a 12% reduction in the numbers of children travelling to school by private car since initial engagement with the programme commenced in October 2016.

Operated in partnership with An Taisce and Louth County Council, the programme aims to actively involve school children in caring for the environment. Thanks to the efforts of parents, pupils and staff at St. Mary’s Parish Primary School, we can look forward to a safer, cleaner and greener future for us all.