ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS WEEK Mar 2nd – 6th ¸2015

The main theme of the week was Water Conservation. The importance of recycling and energy conservation was also promoted. At the start of the week, the Blackrock College Green Schools Committee participated in a Water Forum hosted by Belvedere College. On Tuesday, Mr Eamon Ryan (Leader of the Green Party) spoke to 2nd Year and Transition Year about the controversial issue of water charges in Ireland. Environmental Workshops, Blue Day (6th Year) and an entertaining Debate – ‘THIS HOUSE WOULD BECOME VEGETARIAN TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT’
were also amongst the highlights.

Other highlights included:

• CSPE Environmental Projects
• MUN Projects
• Displays on St Patrick’s Hall
• TV Monitor Presentations
• Green Schools Presentations at 3rd and 6th Year Assemblies
• Dendrochronology Display
• Word of the Week
• GreenWatch
• Science Club Water Experiment

It was encouraging to see so many different students, teachers, subjects and departments contribute to the wide diversity of environmental activities. The key to the week was cross- curricular collaboration. Many thanks to the Green Schools’ Committee for their hard work in the co-ordination and organisation of the week. The help of our Maintenance and Grounds staff played a key role.

Finally, I thank Mr Copeland for his enthusiasm for, interest in and care of the Environment at Blackrock.

GREEN SCHOOLS’ COMMITTEE:
Richard Grainger (Chairman), Joshua Gorman, Daniel Dunleavy, Tom McNamara (all 6th Year); Bernard O’Sullivan (Secretary), James Huggard, Stephen Rooney (all 5th Year); Conor Bailey, Alex Noble (both Transition Year); Harvey Gallagher, Josh Garvey, Conor Fitzpatrick, Mike Henderson (all 3rd Year), Michael McDonald, Conor O’Neill, Rhys Rolland, Michael Ryan, Drummond McGinn (all 2nd Year), Mr Copeland, Mr Aylward, Ms Kelleher, Ms Cummins, Fintan O’Connor and
Mr Herlihy.