The Green Schools Committee at Mary Immaculate has been hard at work over the past number of years. In 2020, we had applied for the biodiversity Green Flag and we were in the process of fulfilling the criteria for this flag. Unfortunately, that was put on hold due to Covid 19. However, our focus on biodiversity has never waivered with our Wellbeing Garden and the school apiary, both working hand in hand to promote biodiversity around our school and town. Huge thank you to Mr. Gomes for the continued work on the school apiary and the supply of fabulous honey throughout the year.
Last year in April 2025, Mary Immaculate was re-awarded the Green Flag for Litter and Waste. Throughout the year, the Green Schools Committee did a wonderful job of setting up and maintaining a new "3 bin system" throughout the school and promoting the awareness of how to use and the importance of using these bins correctly. This January, we introduced two orange "Return" bins to our school. The Committee worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone knew about the bins and what they could put into them. They also wanted to ensure students felt they got something in return for their efforts and planned to use to funds raised for a school treat! This was a huge success and an ice-cream van was part-funded for Sports Day 2026 with the funds raised.
This year in 2026, we have also been focusing on water usage within our school and energy consumption. Building awareness around these topics is key to helping us reduce waste in these areas. Next year, we hope to be awarded our Water Flag and continue our work to enhance the sustainability of our school. Our Green Schools Committee rotates each year, so if any students are interested in taking part, please contact Ms. Crilly.