Scoil Iosaef Naofa Awarded 4th Green Flag

Back Row: Jim Wilson, Philip Barry, John, Brandon, Dylan, Brendan, Ethan, Catherine Studdert, Front Row: Cian, Luka, Max and Darragh

Scoil Iosaef Naofa  recently added a fourth Green Flag, this time for ‘Transport’ to their mounting collection. The first one the school received was for ‘Litter & Waste’, the second for ‘Energy’ and the third for ‘Water’. This fourth flag is nothing short of a fantastic achievement for the school as stated by former Principal Michael Farrell who was also there  to receive a special presentation from the school’s pupils.

The ceremonies were opened by Principal Mr. Tony Kenneally who welcomed everyone to the room and then handed over proceedings to Mr. Philip Barry who had a few words of praise for all involved and who then got things underway with all the pupils singing ‘The Walking Song’ which is their version of Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 debut hit single ‘These boots are Made For Walking’. The song is aimed at the promoting of walking to school, for those who can, with emphasis on a cleaner environment and healthier life through walking and exercise in general. Mr. Barry also expressed his sincere gratitude to Ellen Murphy, who could not be there as she is expecting her new arrival very shortly. We were also shown a brief film called ‘Feet Were Made For Walking’ which was made by the Green Schools Committee, who also starred in same along with very obliging chauffeur and Hollywood wanted Miss Kelly.

Also present was Cobhman Jim Wilson who gave a ten minute speech on the benefits of walking to and from school and made reference to when he himself, as a youngster, used to walk to school every morning, home and back again at lunch and back home again after school. Jim also acknowledged the fourth Green Flag as being a great achievement and said all involved, kids, parents and teachers and of course Michael Farrell deserve a lot of credit for being awarded the flag and producing such a great film. ‘Exercise is great’ said Jim, humorously adding, ‘there was no Supermacs in my day which is probably why I look the way I do now’. In summing up Jim reminded the children of how important the environment is and that they should always remember, no matter where they end up in their adult lives, what they learned about the Green Flags at school.

The ceremonies for the day had to take place inside the school building due to weather conditions and the included photos are of the Scoil Iosaef Naofa Green Schools Committee accompanied byJim Wilson and teachers Philip Barry and Catherine Studdert.

Michael Farrell presented with his gift from Cian Roche on behalf on the pupils

A proud Green Schools Committee lift their 4th Green Flag