​Green-Schools is a European educational programme which promotes responsible behaviour towards the environment among school children and the wider community.

Green-Schools is managed by An Taisce and is run in co-operation with Local Authorities throughout the country.

As a learning resource, it aims to increase pupils’ awareness of environmental issues through classroom studies and to transfer this knowledge into positive environmental action in the school and also in the wider community.

One of the key success factors of the Green-Schools programme is that it is a themed programme. That is, schools undertaking the programme work through a seven step programme for each theme.​

This process helps pupils to recognise the importance of environmental issues and take them more seriously in their personal and home lives. ​

The Green School Flag has to be renewed every two years. The programme is a long term one, tackling a sequence of environmental issues. The driving force of this project is the Green Schools Committee.

In 2004, we set up our first Green Schools committee and have been busy going green ever since!

Whitechurch National School has been awarded Four Green Flags to date by An Taisce. These Green Flags are a celebration of all we do to protect the environment.​

 

First Green Flag - Litter and Waste

We first received Green Flag status in 2006 for our efforts in reducing the amount of rubbish going from the school to landfill. This work on “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle” continues today and is constantly being expanded through the Green-Schools programmes.

 

 

Second Green Flag - Energy
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Our Second Green Flag was awarded in 2008 for our “Energy” saving initiatives. Our increasing awareness of energy is leading us to respect and conserve energy. This supports the “Power of One” campaign nationally.

Energy Detectives in each class remind us to “Switch it off”.

  
 

 

Third Green Flag - Water
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2010 brought our Third Green Flag for water awareness and conservation. We are learning about the precious commodity water is and the necessity to conserve it. We hope this will help us develop a positive awareness of our environment.

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Fourth Green Flag - Travel

Our most recent Green Flag achievement came in April when we received notification that we had been awarded our fourth green flag. The theme this time was TRAVEL and making every effort to reduce our carbon footprint.
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The main focus of our “Action day” for this theme was the official launch of our “C.O.W”Day. This means “Cycle or Walk”or “Car pool or Walk”