Following determined and concerted efforts throughout this academic year, Loreto College has been successful in being awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag, from June 2022. The College will hold the flag for two years, and can then reapply in March 2024 to be awarded in June 2024.
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Environmental Education assessors commended the Loreto College application, commenting that an amazing effort had gone into the College’s Eco Schools programme.
The Green Flag was presented at an Awards Ceremony held by Eco Schools NI at Portballintrae Village Hall on 15th June. The Eco Schools Green Flag awards are backed by Causeway Coast and Glens Council, supported by DAERA NI and sponsored by Learn Play Nexus Ltd. Present at the event was the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ivor Wallace. Mrs McCarry, Mrs McGill and Year 8 students Ethan Smyth and Charlotte Watts represented Loreto College at the event: Charlotte and Ethan, who are both very proactive members of the Loreto Environmental Group, were delighted to have the opportunity to try on the Mayor’s Chain of Office!
In addition to receiving the Green Flag, Loreto College was named Eco School of the Year for the Causeway Coast and Glens area- an award sponsored by Ni4kids. This award was presented in recognition of the depth of the application, with data on whole school surveys from audits completed in school, evidence of the focus areas being addressed across the curriculum, and the grant applications to get funding to improve outdoor learning.
Senior Teacher Mrs Siobhan McCarry, who coordinated the bid and leads the Eco Schools initiative in Loreto College, commented:
‘This has been a real team effort, across staff and through our wonderful student Eco Committee and Environmental Group. Particular thanks go to teachers Bean Ui Mhaolain, Mr Penny, Mrs McGill, Mrs McCool, Miss O’Brien, Mr McGilligan and our Groundsman Mr Turner for helping to drive our goals for the year: outdoor learning, the global perspective and improving litter issues. There really has been fantastic work across all areas, and, as we return after lockdowns, these have all helped to broaden the learning experiences of our students.’
Loreto Principal Miss Belinda Toner congratulated Mrs McCarry and all the students and staff who had become so enthusiastically involved in the Eco-Schools programme on achieving Green Flag accreditation, commenting that this inestimable work was a true example of the Loreto Ethos in action.
