Giving Nenagh children a voice

St Mary’s had a wonderful day of celebration on Friday, October 2, as the whole school community came together to celebrate three very special achievements: our third Active School Flag, our 11th Green Flag and our fourth Gaelbhratach.

The celebrations were a fantastic reflection of the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment shown by pupils, teachers and staff throughout the school year. The three flags represented much more than awards. They highlighted the school’s continued commitment to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, caring for our environment and developing a love and everyday use of the Irish language.

The Active School Flag celebration recognised the many ways in which pupils had been encouraged to get active throughout the year. From Active Schools Week, skipping challenges and brain breaks to yoga, GAA, tennis and the use of the school’s Active Walkway, there were plenty of opportunities for pupils to get moving and have fun. Particular praise was given to the school’s playground leaders, who showed great leadership and responsibility by organising games and activities for younger pupils during lunchtime. The Active School Committee was also thanked for their ideas, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the year.

The school also proudly celebrated its 11th Green Flag. This year’s celebration focused on the Green Schools Primary Climate Ambassador Programme and the important role children can play in helping to protect the planet. Pupils were reminded that small actions, such as saving water and energy, reducing waste, reusing materials and choosing active travel, can make a real difference.

GREEN SCHOOL THEMES

St Mary’s has continued to build on its success across a wide range of Green Schools themes, including Litter and Waste, Water, Energy, Travel, Biodiversity, the Marine Environment and Global Citizenship.

The school’s fourth Gaelbhratach was another very special achievement. Since beginning its Gaelbhratach journey in 2021, St Mary’s has worked hard to create a rich Gaeilge environment, making Irish a vibrant and enjoyable part of everyday school life. Gaeilge is heard throughout the school, with regular intercom announcements as Gaeilge, whole-school games and activities in Irish, and plenty of opportunities for pupils to use the language outside the classroom.

Pupils take part in a wide range of Gaeilge activities throughout the year, including skipping games as Gaeilge, Christmas door decoration competitions where displays are created as Gaeilge, and whole-school intercom games such as Glaoch na nGael and riddles in Irish for pupils to crack. These activities have helped to make Gaeilge a natural and enjoyable part of school life.

Seachtain na Gaeilge was a particular highlight, with assemblies, games, music, dancing and a wide range of activities bringing the whole school together to celebrate the Irish language. The school community was encouraged to see Gaeilge as more than just a subject in the classroom, but as a living language that could be used and enjoyed every day.

The celebrations highlighted the importance of giving children a voice and encouraging them to take an active role in school life. Members of the Active School Committee and the Green Schools and Gaeilge committees were recognised for the time, effort and ideas they contributed throughout the year.

The day was filled with pride, music, Gaeilge, activity and plenty of fun. Pupils also enjoyed taking part in the Hokey Pokey as Gaeilge before finishing the celebrations with a wonderful traditional Irish dance performance.

It was a truly memorable day for everyone in St Mary’s and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the entire school community. The three flags were a fitting recognition of the commitment shown by pupils and staff and reflected the school’s ongoing work to promote healthy living, environmental awareness and a love of Gaeilge.

Congratulations to everyone in St Mary’s on these fantastic achievements.