Green Schools: Stepping Stones Towards a Better Future

Our talented 5th and 6th classes are currently working on an exciting second mural that beautifully captures our commitment to protecting and caring for our world. This vibrant artwork reflects the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the many small but powerful actions we can all take to make a difference.

At the heart of the mural flows a river, symbolising life and our shared responsibility for the planet. Across the river are stepping stones — each one representing one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Our inspiring slogan, “Stepping Stones Towards a Better Future,” reminds us that every positive action, no matter how small, helps move us forward.

The mural highlights the everyday actions our school community embraces, including:

• Walking, cycling and scooting to school

• Recycling and composting

• Conserving water and using a rainwater barrel

• Installing and maintaining a wormery

• Creating a rainwater planter

• Upcycling materials

• Planting pollinator-friendly flowers

• Taking part in litter picks

This project links directly with our Green Schools theme of Global Citizenship – Litter and Waste, which we have proudly been working on for the past two years. It has truly been a whole-school community effort.

Across the school, students and staff have taken meaningful action, including:

• Daily collection and careful segregation of recycling bins

• Organising regular litter picks and taking part in the Picker Pals Programme

• Hosting an upcycling competition

• Running our Shoes Campaign, collecting shoes for African townships

• Supporting Batteries for Barretstown

• Protecting and enhancing biodiversity through the installation of a mini pond, bat boxes, bird houses, bug hotels, compost containers, leaf mold cages and a wormery

• Dunboyne St Peter's GAA Action Day helping to plant over 500 pollinator friendly spring bulbs.

Our commitment to sustainability also extends beyond our school grounds. We actively participate in GLOBE Ireland projects, including:

• Air Quality

• Rivers as Ecosystems

• Temperatures and Trees

• Rainfall and Flood Resilience

We have taken part in the Junior Achievement Ireland “It’s Our Planet” Programme and the Education for Sustainability 8-week programme, deepening our understanding of environmental responsibility and global citizenship. Through these initiatives, we have linked with schools from around the world, strengthening our awareness of global issues and developing a true sense of global citizenship.

The impact of our efforts has been measurable and significant:

• Our bulky mixed municipal waste has reduced from 2.7 tonnes in 2024 to 1.4 tonnes in 2025 — a remarkable 48% reduction.

• Our mixed municipal waste has reduced from 3.1 tonnes to 2.8 tonnes, a 9% reduction.

• Our recycling rate has increased from 30.97% to 44.03%.

This substantial progress reflects improved waste segregation, greater reuse of materials, and increased awareness across our entire school community.

With our Green Schools submission due on 20th March, we are incredibly proud of the dedication, creativity and teamwork shown by our students — especially our 5th and 6th classes who are bringing this powerful message to life through their mural.

Together, we are taking meaningful steps — and creating lasting change — as we continue on our journey of Stepping Stones Towards a Better Future. 🌍💚