St. Marys No 2, Nenagh are putting major work into their upcoming bid for their fourth Green-Flag. Shirley Maher, the schools new principal and her Green-Committee members organised a full day of action to promote cycling in the school.
Throughout the day each class received talks on cycle safety and bike maintenance by the Green-Schools Travel Officer, Ellen O' Sullivan. As the bike maintenance workshop progressed it quickly became evident that the school ethos is built on team work. According to their Green-Schools Travel Officer ‘As they worked in groups to fix punctures you could see leaders emerging and taking it upon themselves to show the others the right way to do it, some of them punctured the tube again just so they could be sure the others got it right’
Another highlight of the day was the Travel Relay Quiz where students were put into groups and asked questions based on sustainable travel, once the team decided on the correct answer they sent a representing team member to complete the relay task to win an extra point for their team. The incorporation of a relay element to the quiz provided a fun and interactive way for students to learn and also build on already existing team work principles. Juniors were also included in the fun with a ‘design a trainer’ competition and participation in an interactive game of Travel Snakes and Ladders.
WOF (Walk on Fridays ) days are now a regular occurrence in St.Marys No 2 where extra points are given to those who wear their high viz vest. It is hoped that this extra bonus point will increase awareness of the importance of being safe and being when walking/cycling both to school and also outside of school hours. Echoing Green-Schools Principals of team work and positive travel choices, St. Marys No. 2 are well on their way.
Shannon Morrison, Emma Gordon and Jonathan Cope
Scott showing everyone how to do it