Glaslough Tidy Towns Celebrate
50 Years
On Saturday evening, the 19th September, Glaslough Tidy Towns celebrated their 50th Anniversary. For weeks they had been planning and preparing a party to mark this special occasion.
At 8.15pm the local people and invited guest gathered in the Diamond. It was a splendid evening. Firstly the children sang Beautiful Glaslough, accompanied by Packie McGhee and Gareth Corrigan. Then Paddy and Alice Connolly (founding members) unveiled the commemorative plaque, kindly donated by Treanor Stone-Tec.
Shortly afterwards, everyone walked to the Oakland Centre. Fifty years of Tidy Town's history was on display. There was also photographs and posters from St. Mary's and Billis Primary Schools. The Green Schools' themes were highlighted and the work done over eleven years to minimise waste, reduce energy, conserve water, find more sustainable modes of travel and protect biodiversity.
At 8.15pm the local people and invited guest gathered in the Diamond. It was a splendid evening. Firstly the children sang Beautiful Glaslough, accompanied by Packie McGhee and Gareth Corrigan. Then Paddy and Alice Connolly (founding members) unveiled the commemorative plaque, kindly donated by Treanor Stone-Tec.
Shortly afterwards, everyone walked to the Oakland Centre. Fifty years of Tidy Town's history was on display. There was also photographs and posters from St. Mary's and Billis Primary Schools. The Green Schools' themes were highlighted and the work done over eleven years to minimise waste, reduce energy, conserve water, find more sustainable modes of travel and protect biodiversity.
The hall looked amazing, festooned with bunting and balloons. The tablecloths, chair covers, candelabras and soft pink lighting created the perfect setting for the banquet to begin. The food was delicious and enjoyed by all.
A large screen power-point presentation showcased the achievements of the Tidy Towns and Green Schools' hard-working committees. It was hugely entertaining.
A large screen power-point presentation showcased the achievements of the Tidy Towns and Green Schools' hard-working committees. It was hugely entertaining.
After the meal, it was time for thanks. Louise Duffy, Paddy Connolly, Paudge Colleran (Lord Mayor of Glaslough), Mark Macklin, Gareth Corrigan and Noel Keelan were generous in praising the effort, commitment and dedication involved in maintaining and enhancing the beautiful village of Glaslough.
Today's passion and pride augurs well for centenary celebrations in 2065!
Today's passion and pride augurs well for centenary celebrations in 2065!
Recount by:
Halle Cunningham, Josh Curley, Matthew Finn, Aoife Murphy Thom, Abbie Treanor, Katie Treanor (4th class).
Callum Duffy, Michael McNally, Art Wood (3rd class) and Mrs. Dowling
Halle Cunningham, Josh Curley, Matthew Finn, Aoife Murphy Thom, Abbie Treanor, Katie Treanor (4th class).
Callum Duffy, Michael McNally, Art Wood (3rd class) and Mrs. Dowling
Green School`s Newsletter
Green Schools Newsletter Spring/Summer ‘15
1. An Taisce Annual Spring Clean
Again this year, all classes took part in the Action Spring Clean.
Third to Sixth Classes removed all the litter on the approach roads to the school on Wednesday 22nd April. The Infants, First and Second Classes picked up all the litter within the school grounds on Thursday 23rdApril. Thanks to the pupils’ hard work, the whole place is spotless and looks fantastic in the glorious sunshine. Let’s endeavour to keep our village clean all summer.
2. Cycling News
3. W.O.W. Days (Walk on Wednesdays)
Pupils are invited to Walk on Wednesdays throughout this term to increase their fitness and reduce CO2 emissions. The assembly point is the Oakland Centre at 9am. They need: comfortable footwear, rain gear if necessary, a high visibility jacket and a few willing parents. High-viz jackets are available on request from the school.
4. Annual Tidy Towns Art Competition
This year’s theme is TAKE AWAY LITTER.
Most litter strewn on our roads consists of disposable coffee cups, plastic drinks bottles, sandwich wrappers, pizza boxes, fish and chip bags etc. It seems that many people who consume food in their cars just discard the wrappers out the windows when finished. Pupils in all classes, now, have the opportunity, by designing posters, to raise awareness of this issue and encourage motorists and passengers to desist from this practice.
Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 8th May and prizes will be presented in the Oakland Centre on Tuesday 12th May.
5. The School Garden
Pupils are enjoying preparing the raised beds for planting flowers and vegetables. It involves weeding, raking the soil and adding compost. Soon the planting and watering will begin. We look forward to attracting butterflies and bees and consuming the edible plants.
7. Lough Neagh Discovery Trip
In recognition of all our hard work for the Biodiversity Flag, Niall O’Connor Educational Environmental Officer with Monaghan County Council has arranged a trip for the Senior Classes to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre on Tuesday, 5th May. The trip will include: Pond dipping, Mini-beast hunt and Bird watching.
Hard work and effort really does pay!
8. Biodiversity Green Flag
We received notice earlier this year that our application for the 5th Green Flag was successful. Four members of the Green Schools Committee will travel to the Helix, DCU Campus, Dublin 9 on 20th May to receive the flag. We will organise a Celebration Day before the end of the year. Details to follow!
More information and photographs on:
www.glasloughschool.com/green schools/biodiversity/waste management
1. An Taisce Annual Spring Clean
Again this year, all classes took part in the Action Spring Clean.
Third to Sixth Classes removed all the litter on the approach roads to the school on Wednesday 22nd April. The Infants, First and Second Classes picked up all the litter within the school grounds on Thursday 23rdApril. Thanks to the pupils’ hard work, the whole place is spotless and looks fantastic in the glorious sunshine. Let’s endeavour to keep our village clean all summer.
2. Cycling News
- Due the recent spell of fine weather, a number of children have begun cycling to and from school. They look very fit and healthy and are a great example to others.
- Third Class will receive Level One Cycle Training on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th April. Fourth will participate in a Refresher Course on the same afternoons. Fifth and Sixth will undertake a Bike-M Check. All that is required is a bike in working order and a correctly-fitting helmet.
- This year, the Library, in conjunction with Monaghan Sports Partnership, have organised a Design a Bookmark Competition to publicise and promote Bike Week. The theme is Cycling is for Everyone. Pupils from Third to Sixth Classes are eligible to enter. The closing date is Fri. 1st May.
- Fifth and Sixth Classes will again undertake the Four Villages Cycle Challenge in June. They will cycle to Middletown, Caledon, Tynan and back. Time to start training!
3. W.O.W. Days (Walk on Wednesdays)
Pupils are invited to Walk on Wednesdays throughout this term to increase their fitness and reduce CO2 emissions. The assembly point is the Oakland Centre at 9am. They need: comfortable footwear, rain gear if necessary, a high visibility jacket and a few willing parents. High-viz jackets are available on request from the school.
4. Annual Tidy Towns Art Competition
This year’s theme is TAKE AWAY LITTER.
Most litter strewn on our roads consists of disposable coffee cups, plastic drinks bottles, sandwich wrappers, pizza boxes, fish and chip bags etc. It seems that many people who consume food in their cars just discard the wrappers out the windows when finished. Pupils in all classes, now, have the opportunity, by designing posters, to raise awareness of this issue and encourage motorists and passengers to desist from this practice.
Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 8th May and prizes will be presented in the Oakland Centre on Tuesday 12th May.
5. The School Garden
Pupils are enjoying preparing the raised beds for planting flowers and vegetables. It involves weeding, raking the soil and adding compost. Soon the planting and watering will begin. We look forward to attracting butterflies and bees and consuming the edible plants.
7. Lough Neagh Discovery Trip
In recognition of all our hard work for the Biodiversity Flag, Niall O’Connor Educational Environmental Officer with Monaghan County Council has arranged a trip for the Senior Classes to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre on Tuesday, 5th May. The trip will include: Pond dipping, Mini-beast hunt and Bird watching.
Hard work and effort really does pay!
8. Biodiversity Green Flag
We received notice earlier this year that our application for the 5th Green Flag was successful. Four members of the Green Schools Committee will travel to the Helix, DCU Campus, Dublin 9 on 20th May to receive the flag. We will organise a Celebration Day before the end of the year. Details to follow!
More information and photographs on:
www.glasloughschool.com/green schools/biodiversity/waste management
May 2014
(1) WALK on WEDNESDAYS
Thanks to all the students and parents who got this term off to a brilliant start, when so many joined the Walking Bus on April 30th. With just two months left until the summer holidays, we would encourage as many pupils as possible to walk on Wednesdays (our W.O.W. Days). Its an opportunity to get fit and healthy in addition to saving fuel and reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. The walking bus will leave the Oakland Centre every Wednesday at 9.am. Just wear comfortable shoes, a light jacket and most importantly a high-visibility vest. Remember our school`s TRAVEL Slogan:
STOP the POLLUTION of the AIR, WALK or CYCLE, because WE CARE
(2) TALK on BEES
Philip McCabe, Ireland`s best-known expert on bees will create a buzz this Wednesday evening (7th May) at 7pm at the Oakland Centre. He will share his knowledge and experience of bees, hives, honey etc. in a very engaging and witty way. Bees are vital to the survival of the human race as pollinators of crops. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to attend. Any senior pupils in attendance will be excused from homework!
(3) ART COMPETITION
Pupils in all classes from Infants to Sixth are invited again this year to participate in the Annual Tidy Towns Art Competition. This year`s theme is: Sustainable Waste and Resource Management. In simpler terms any ideas to prevent the creation of waste in relation to litter, water, energy, fuel etc. need to be artistically represented on colourful posters with suitable captions. Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 16th May and prizes will be presented the following Monday (19th May) in the Oakland Centre.
(4) MOTHS & BUTTERFLIES
Pupils in Middle Classes are currently:
Thanks to all the students and parents who got this term off to a brilliant start, when so many joined the Walking Bus on April 30th. With just two months left until the summer holidays, we would encourage as many pupils as possible to walk on Wednesdays (our W.O.W. Days). Its an opportunity to get fit and healthy in addition to saving fuel and reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. The walking bus will leave the Oakland Centre every Wednesday at 9.am. Just wear comfortable shoes, a light jacket and most importantly a high-visibility vest. Remember our school`s TRAVEL Slogan:
STOP the POLLUTION of the AIR, WALK or CYCLE, because WE CARE
(2) TALK on BEES
Philip McCabe, Ireland`s best-known expert on bees will create a buzz this Wednesday evening (7th May) at 7pm at the Oakland Centre. He will share his knowledge and experience of bees, hives, honey etc. in a very engaging and witty way. Bees are vital to the survival of the human race as pollinators of crops. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to attend. Any senior pupils in attendance will be excused from homework!
(3) ART COMPETITION
Pupils in all classes from Infants to Sixth are invited again this year to participate in the Annual Tidy Towns Art Competition. This year`s theme is: Sustainable Waste and Resource Management. In simpler terms any ideas to prevent the creation of waste in relation to litter, water, energy, fuel etc. need to be artistically represented on colourful posters with suitable captions. Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 16th May and prizes will be presented the following Monday (19th May) in the Oakland Centre.
(4) MOTHS & BUTTERFLIES
Pupils in Middle Classes are currently:
- undertaking a Moth Survey
- identifying the 6 most common butterflies in Ireland
- identifying the wildflowers that attract the butterflies
- studying the life cycle of a butterfly
(5) ACTION CLEAN-UP
Thanks to all the pupils that donned aprons, gloves and hi-visibility vests (supplies by An Taisce) and gathered all the litter in and around the school groups on Friday 2nd May. Now we just need to maintain this effort to keep our school and environs looking lovely all Summer. Our Waste Management Slogan is:
Pick Up The Litter and Make Glaslough Glitter
(6) CYCLE TRAINING
Third Class will receive Level One Cycle Training on Wednesday 14th May. This will focus on:
(7) BIRD WALK
A Dusk Chorus Walk (instead of a Dawn Chorus Walk) is being planned for Thursday evening, 15th May at 8 o`clock. Why not join in the leisurely evening walk through the Leslie Estate and listen to the variety of bird song while the experts, Joe Shannon and Kay Macklin identify each individual song/call. Pupils are also welcome to joinwith their parents in availing of this opportunity to become more aware of their feathered friends.
Thanks to all the pupils that donned aprons, gloves and hi-visibility vests (supplies by An Taisce) and gathered all the litter in and around the school groups on Friday 2nd May. Now we just need to maintain this effort to keep our school and environs looking lovely all Summer. Our Waste Management Slogan is:
Pick Up The Litter and Make Glaslough Glitter
(6) CYCLE TRAINING
Third Class will receive Level One Cycle Training on Wednesday 14th May. This will focus on:
- Bike Maintenance
- Cycling Skills (steering, control and hand signals)
- Road Safety
- Weather Conditions
(7) BIRD WALK
A Dusk Chorus Walk (instead of a Dawn Chorus Walk) is being planned for Thursday evening, 15th May at 8 o`clock. Why not join in the leisurely evening walk through the Leslie Estate and listen to the variety of bird song while the experts, Joe Shannon and Kay Macklin identify each individual song/call. Pupils are also welcome to joinwith their parents in availing of this opportunity to become more aware of their feathered friends.
Green School's Newsletter
April 2013
(1) ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN
St. Mary’s Action Clean –up Day is planned for Tuesday 16th April, weather permitting. An Taisce have supplied a box of cleaning materials and Monaghan Co. Council will provide a skip.
All classes will don aprons and gloves, and armed with plastic bags attempt to remove every trace of litter.
The Junior Classes will concentrate on the school grounds while the Senior pupils will target the approach roads.
(2) BIRDS
Local bird-watch expert, Joe Shannon will share his interest in and knowledge of bird life in The Oakland Centre on Thursday 18thApril at 6 o’clock. He will, in particular, focus on identifying bird song in the local area. Any senior pupils who attend this workshop will be excused from homework!
Following on from this, Kay Macklin, another well-known wildlife enthusiast, will lead a Dawn Chorus walk in and around Glaslough on Sunday 21stApril . Assemble at the Oakland Centre at 5 a.m. for an unforgettable experience!
(3) HERITAGE DAY No. 4
Caitríona McCabe (Green Bee Education) will visit the school again on Wednesday 24th April. This time, her workshop will focus on MINI-BEASTS. The study of creepy crawlies is always of interest to young children, with lots of willing volunteers to help out!
(4) TREES
St. Mary’s School has been granted 30 free native trees, sponsored by KPMG with media partner Irish Independent.
We are extremely grateful to the parents who took the initiative to collect the required tokens as trees are such a vital link in the biodiversity chain of life.
(5) CYCLE TRAINING
Level One Cycle Training on:
¨ bike maintenance,
¨ cycling skills (steering, control and hand signals)
¨ road safety
will be offered again this year to pupils in Third & Fourth Classes.
This training will take place in early May. Participating pupils will need a bike in good working order and a correctly-fitting helmet.
Biodiversity Committee Members
Alex Deery (Junior Infants) Niamh Kelly (Senior Infants)
Aoife Murphy Thom (First Class) Niall Corrigan (Second Class)
Bríd McNally (Third Class) Caolán McKenna (Third Class)
Courtney & Eva Molloy (Fourth Class)
Eoin McKenna (Fifth Class) Oisín McElmeel (Fifth Class)
Emily Brennan (Fifth Class) Rachel Lavery (Fifth Class)
Clóda Duffy (Sixth Class) Jamie Duffy (Sixth Class)
Mark Macklin (Principal)
Bríd Dowling ( Green Schools Co-ordinator
St. Mary’s Action Clean –up Day is planned for Tuesday 16th April, weather permitting. An Taisce have supplied a box of cleaning materials and Monaghan Co. Council will provide a skip.
All classes will don aprons and gloves, and armed with plastic bags attempt to remove every trace of litter.
The Junior Classes will concentrate on the school grounds while the Senior pupils will target the approach roads.
(2) BIRDS
Local bird-watch expert, Joe Shannon will share his interest in and knowledge of bird life in The Oakland Centre on Thursday 18thApril at 6 o’clock. He will, in particular, focus on identifying bird song in the local area. Any senior pupils who attend this workshop will be excused from homework!
Following on from this, Kay Macklin, another well-known wildlife enthusiast, will lead a Dawn Chorus walk in and around Glaslough on Sunday 21stApril . Assemble at the Oakland Centre at 5 a.m. for an unforgettable experience!
(3) HERITAGE DAY No. 4
Caitríona McCabe (Green Bee Education) will visit the school again on Wednesday 24th April. This time, her workshop will focus on MINI-BEASTS. The study of creepy crawlies is always of interest to young children, with lots of willing volunteers to help out!
(4) TREES
St. Mary’s School has been granted 30 free native trees, sponsored by KPMG with media partner Irish Independent.
We are extremely grateful to the parents who took the initiative to collect the required tokens as trees are such a vital link in the biodiversity chain of life.
(5) CYCLE TRAINING
Level One Cycle Training on:
¨ bike maintenance,
¨ cycling skills (steering, control and hand signals)
¨ road safety
will be offered again this year to pupils in Third & Fourth Classes.
This training will take place in early May. Participating pupils will need a bike in good working order and a correctly-fitting helmet.
Biodiversity Committee Members
Alex Deery (Junior Infants) Niamh Kelly (Senior Infants)
Aoife Murphy Thom (First Class) Niall Corrigan (Second Class)
Bríd McNally (Third Class) Caolán McKenna (Third Class)
Courtney & Eva Molloy (Fourth Class)
Eoin McKenna (Fifth Class) Oisín McElmeel (Fifth Class)
Emily Brennan (Fifth Class) Rachel Lavery (Fifth Class)
Clóda Duffy (Sixth Class) Jamie Duffy (Sixth Class)
Mark Macklin (Principal)
Bríd Dowling ( Green Schools Co-ordinator
Green School's Newsletter
March 2013
(1) BIRD WATCH
Biodiversity Committee members: Courtney & Eva Molloy (Fourth Class), Caolán McKenna and Bríd McNally (Third Class), undertook a Bird Survey in the school grounds during the months of December, January and February and recorded their findings with Bird Watch Ireland. The most common birds in the playground included pied wagtails, robins, blackbirds, rooks and jackdaws.
(2) HERITAGE DAY (3)
As part of our Biodiversity Theme this year, we have enlisted the services of The Heritage in Schools Scheme.
We have already had two heritage days in the first term on TREES and BIRDS which were a great success thanks to the expertise and knowledge of our facilitator, Caitríona McCabe from Green Bee Education.
Day (3) on BEES has been arranged for Thursday 14th March.
(3) Go GREEN for St. PATRICK’S DAY
All pupils from Infants to Sixth are invited to participate in our Annual Green Feet First Friday on 15th March. Just wear something green, assemble at the Oakland Centre at 9am and walk to school. Let’s get the weekend off to a good start with the wearing of the green.
(4) TREES
We are presently sourcing trees to enhance the school grounds and garden and to encourage biodiversity for first-hand observation.
The Tree Council of Ireland have recently granted us the sum of €380 for the purchase of trees.
The Irish Independent newspaper is at present providing tokens for trees and some parents have kindly offered to begin the collection.
The Forestry Foundation is currently running a campaign to plant one million trees in one day. We will purchase four, one per classroom, for a donation of €12.
Biodiversity Committee Members
Alex Deery (Junior Infants)
Niamh Kelly (Senior Infants)
Aoife Murphy Thom (First Class)
Niall Corrigan (Second Class)
Bríd McNally (Third Class)
Caolán McKenna (Third Class)
Courtney & Eva Molloy (Fourth Class)
Eoin McKenna (Fifth Class)
Oisín McElmeel (Fifth Class)
Emily Brennan (Fifth Class)
Rachel Lavery (Fifth Class)
Clóda Duffy (Sixth Class)
Jamie Duffy (Sixth Class)
Biodiversity Committee members: Courtney & Eva Molloy (Fourth Class), Caolán McKenna and Bríd McNally (Third Class), undertook a Bird Survey in the school grounds during the months of December, January and February and recorded their findings with Bird Watch Ireland. The most common birds in the playground included pied wagtails, robins, blackbirds, rooks and jackdaws.
(2) HERITAGE DAY (3)
As part of our Biodiversity Theme this year, we have enlisted the services of The Heritage in Schools Scheme.
We have already had two heritage days in the first term on TREES and BIRDS which were a great success thanks to the expertise and knowledge of our facilitator, Caitríona McCabe from Green Bee Education.
Day (3) on BEES has been arranged for Thursday 14th March.
(3) Go GREEN for St. PATRICK’S DAY
All pupils from Infants to Sixth are invited to participate in our Annual Green Feet First Friday on 15th March. Just wear something green, assemble at the Oakland Centre at 9am and walk to school. Let’s get the weekend off to a good start with the wearing of the green.
(4) TREES
We are presently sourcing trees to enhance the school grounds and garden and to encourage biodiversity for first-hand observation.
The Tree Council of Ireland have recently granted us the sum of €380 for the purchase of trees.
The Irish Independent newspaper is at present providing tokens for trees and some parents have kindly offered to begin the collection.
The Forestry Foundation is currently running a campaign to plant one million trees in one day. We will purchase four, one per classroom, for a donation of €12.
Biodiversity Committee Members
Alex Deery (Junior Infants)
Niamh Kelly (Senior Infants)
Aoife Murphy Thom (First Class)
Niall Corrigan (Second Class)
Bríd McNally (Third Class)
Caolán McKenna (Third Class)
Courtney & Eva Molloy (Fourth Class)
Eoin McKenna (Fifth Class)
Oisín McElmeel (Fifth Class)
Emily Brennan (Fifth Class)
Rachel Lavery (Fifth Class)
Clóda Duffy (Sixth Class)
Jamie Duffy (Sixth Class)