Well done to Jella Smile, MC Grass Measuring, CES Beads and Listarkin Glass who represented Skibbereen Community School today at the Celtic Ross Hotel in the regional finals of the Student Enterprise Competition.
Congratulations to Jella Smile who won the innovation award & to their teacher Ms. Mary O’Donovan!
On Thursday 2nd of March, a group of 12 TY students from Skibbereen community school participated in a beach clean-up organized by Mr. Rory Jackson. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the environment clean and healthy. The students were enthusiastic and eager to participate in this noble cause.
Preparation and Organization: Prior to the event, Rory Jackson of the Oceans Plastic Project had made arrangements to provide the students with all the necessary equipment such as gloves, bags, and litter pickers. He had also done a pre-survey of the beach to identify the areas that needed cleaning. The students were divided into groups, and each group was assigned a particular section of the beach to clean.
The Beach Clean-Up: The students started their clean-up early in the morning, and despite the chilly weather, they remained motivated and focused on their task. They worked tirelessly, picking up plastic bottles, cans, cigarette butts, and other debris. They were careful not to damage any wildlife or their habitats during the clean-up.
During the event, Rory gave a brief talk on the importance of keeping our environment clean and healthy. He explained to the students how the trash they were collecting would have negative impacts on the marine ecosystem and wildlife, if left unattended. The students were impressed by the enormity of the issue and pledged to do their part in keeping the environment clean.
The students collected approx. 35 kgs of plastic waste including wrappers, containers, plastic gun cartridges, fishing line, rope, plastic bottles, part of a boat and a plastic fish box. One of the things we noted was the amount of smaller particles of plastic (micro plastics) which abounded in the high tide line. These are virtually impossible to collect but cause significant harm to the organisms that inadvertently consume them, and which unfortunately in turn, make their way into our own diets.
Conclusion: The beach clean-up organized by Rory was a success. The students not only cleaned up the beach but also learned about the impact of pollution on the environment. Plastic is made using oil and natural gas. Plastic items are distributed globally using vehicles run on fossil fuels. It is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. Ultimately, we need to address the plastic issue at source and minimise the amount of plastic being produced as its production, distribution and disposal have such a detrimental effect on the environment. The event was a reminder that we all have a responsibility to keep our environment clean and healthy for ourselves and future generations. The efforts of Rory and the Skibbereen Community School students have set an example that others can follow to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.
When students were deciding where to stop for lunch, they considered which local delis/ fast-food outlets had the most environmentally friendly options. Ger’s Wild Atlantic Diner, Drinagh café and Costcutters (Trevor’s) all have the option of using ceramic plates and metal cutlery which minimize plastic waste.
We would like to thank Mr Rory Jackson, Ms Burchill, Mr Uhl, Ms Burke, Mr Damien Long and the Cork Co. Council litter collection team for organising and facilitating this series of beach and estuary clean ups.
Report by Callum Moloney
Congratulations to the 1st year girls basketball team who defeated Bantry today 59- 27.
The girls now progress on to the quarter final.
Our 2nd 1st year team lost in extra time to Bantry in an exciting game.
Well done to all involved!
The 5th year Agricultural science class attended the AgriAware Walk and Talk that was held in Clonakilty Agricultural College on Wednesday 1st March.
The students gained an insight into the different areas of the ag science syllabus such as grassland, genetics, soil, slurry, fertilisers, dairy and they even got to met some spring lambs.
Pictured here are Dr. Sandra Flynn and Dr. Colum Gibson giving a wonderful presentation on food waste, and promoting “Young Chef Recipes” to our students on Monday.
It was very informative and students learned many new facts based on how to reduce food waste. Students were encouraged to change their attitudes to food waste.
An excellent presentation was given by Dr. Gibson who has promised to come back to do a food survey in the near future.
Thanks to Ms. Órla O’Sullivan, Ms. Deirdre Hennigan and Ms. Grace Callaghan for organising.
Well done to class 1A for launching our Lenten campaign in SCS.
The school community is encouraged to do one positive thing for themselves each day. Thanks to Emma Limerick and Emma Hegarty for assisting us in our adventure today.
Thanks to Ms. Órla O Sullivan and Ms. Anne O’Farrell for organising.
Fifth years attended a webinar today in their Religion class.
It was very informative on ‘new year and new focus’.
Dr. Mark Rowe gave a presentation on lifestyle medicine. He promoted a healthier life, addressed anxiety, stress and how to boost wellbeing.
Strong friendships are key to long term relationships was a key message. Being good to yourself is paramount.
Thanks to Ms. Órla O Sullivan for organising and to Mark Keating for settting up the webinar.
Congratulations to our 1st year girls basketball team who beat Scoil Mhuire today on a score line of 22 - 14.
First and second year boys enjoying comfortable victories over Scoil Mhuire A. G. last Friday.
Pictured below is the Green schools committee celebrating the big birthday of one of their members.
