Teachers and pupils from across the council area have been recognised for their stand-out environmental work at this year’s Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards. 22 local schools received Green Flags with special recognition for the Eco-Teacher and Eco-Pupil of the Year. The awards have been supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Nexus.
The 2023 Winners are
- Green Flag: Edenderry Primary School, Killicomaine Junior High School, King’s Park Primary School, Seagoe Primary School RM, St John’s Eglish(1) Primary School RM, St Josephs and St James Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Clea Primary School, Portadown Integrated School, Bocombra Primary School, Banbridge Nursery School, Dromore High School, Ladybird Lane Nursery, Poyntzpass Primary School, St Johns Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Drumgor Primary School, Scarva Primary School, St Ronan’s College, St Teresa’s Primary School, Mountnorris Primary School, St Francis Primary School.
- Eco-Teacher of the Year (Sponsored by the Housing Executive): Dwyer Coleman, St. Francis PS.
- Eco-Pupil of the Year: Zara Cousins Bocombra PS Portadown.
- Eco-School of the Year (Sponsored by the Housing Executive): Clea Primary School.
Sinead Murray, Environmental Education Coordinator at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said;
“This year we have been really impressed by the quality of applications from schools across the council area. Pupils and Teachers have really stepped up and get the importance of taking concrete against the Climate Emergency. The creativity and determination displayed by pupils can give all of us confidence in the future. We are delighted to see the ethos of the Eco-Schools programme so warmly embraced by so many schools.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley said:
“It’s very heartening to see how passionate our local children are about the environment and to hear more about the steps they are implementing in their schools to address climate change on a local level.
“The Eco-Schools programme brings real-life environmental issues right into the heart of the curriculum delivered in the classroom and it gives me great hope for the future.
“It’s wonderful to see their efforts being recognised at this event and I congratulate the children, their teachers and their parents for being a shining example to us all.”
Housing Executive Chair Nicole Lappin said:
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners: more new Green Flags, with special recognition for the council’s best Eco-School and Eco-Teacher of the Year.
“We would like to reiterate the importance of educating our young people in energy and environmental awareness and taking direct action for the protection of our environment. We believe it is vitally important for them to be fully aware of how precious our world is and that we need to do all we can to protect it.
“We are delighted to support these excellent Eco-Schools NI projects. We’ve been really impressed with the standard of work being produced by teachers, pupils, and the wider community. Their enthusiasm is truly inspirational and we are proud to support them in ensuring a better future for everyone.”
