Waterford School News: Battery recycling champs, enthusiastically striding to school and more!
Isabelle Fitzgerald, Orla Swift, Clodagh McGrath and Lauren Sherlock from St Declan's College at the World Skills Exhibition.
Students at Glór na Mara National School in Waterford have been crowned Battery Recycling Champions after collecting the equivalent of 31,650 used AA batteries for recycling during the last school year - saving valuable materials from landfill and showing how small actions can make a big difference.
Their efforts were part of WEEE Ireland’s nationwide Schools Battery Recycling Competition, which saw a total of 1.5 million batteries collected across Ireland, weighing almost as much as four school buses.
Glór na Mara National School received a €2,000 sports voucher for their achievement.
This year’s campaign launches as the new EU Batteries Regulation came into full effect, bringing higher waste battery collection, recycling and recovery targets.
“The students at Glór na Mara National School should be incredibly proud," said Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland. “Their work supports the new EU battery regulations that came into effect this August, which set higher targets for recovering critical raw materials like cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, and nickel... By collecting thousands of batteries, schools, families, and communities nationwide are helping Ireland meet these targets and protecting the environment for future generations.”
WEEE Ireland is calling on schools to get involved in the competition once again and help Ireland meet these ambitious goals - while supporting environmental protection and the programme’s charity partner LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in WEEE Ireland’s battery recycling counties that collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes.
“The funds we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of battery recycling programme over the last 14 years of this partnership have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn's specialised care and supports all across Ireland,” said Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn.
“This year’s donation brings the total fundraising to an incredible €610,000. LauraLynn would also like to say a huge thank you WEEE Ireland for the support across this campaign over the last number of years and to everyone who took the time to recycle their batteries. It may seem like something small, but for the children and families who rely on LauraLynn, and for the environment, it is huge and very impactful.”
Schools can find more information and order WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes at www.weeeireland.ie
Students were out in force in Dungarvan on Wednesday, September 24, for the launch of the Stride to School initiative at St Augustine’s College - an effort to encourage walking and cycling as fun, energising and sustainable ways for students to travel to and from school.
The initiative, supported by Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership, is part of a wider push to promote active travel across the county.
The Dungarvan students have welcomed Stride to School as a chance to socialise with friends, enjoy fresh air and exercise before class, and help reduce traffic congestion around the school.
Gary Morahan, Deputy Principal at St Augustine’s College, highlighted the social, environmental and health benefits of the initiative.
“Stride to School is a fantastic opportunity for our students to mix with each other on the way to school. It’s very good for their physical health and mental wellbeing. As they walk to school each morning, they can chat and interact with each other. It’s also very good for the environment and helps to reduce traffic congestion around our school.”
Eamonn Cashin, teacher at St Augustine’s College, said the school community is “absolutely delighted” to start Stride to School.
“The students are walking to school in their hi vis vests, they are safe, healthy, the sun is shining. It’s a fantastic initiative and I would love to see more schools in the area get behind it.”
Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, commended the school for leading the way in encouraging healthier, more sustainable daily travel routines for its students, while Jordan Kelly, Community Sports Development Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership, praised the students’ energy and commitment.
“It’s great for them to be able to get their exercise in before starting school, which will benefit them greatly throughout the day,” said Jordan.
If your school would like more information on how to join the Stride to School movement, email activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie
A big thank you to Gavin Whelan who came to us on Monday, September 15, to deliver a GAA refereeing course to our transition year students who opted in.
A fantastic, interactive presentation talking through the ins and outs of being a referee. Great to see so many students interested in getting involved and using their experiences in GAA to build on their knowledge. Hopefully we will see more young referees coming into the game in the future.
St Declan's sixth year students had an early start when they departed the school at 6.30am for the World Skills Exhibition in the RDS in Dublin. The wide range of apprentice career options is incredible, from the traditional trades to hairdressing, food and hospitality, healthcare, etc.
It was a very informative and enjoyable day and our teachers Mr McCarthy and Mr Collins were delighted with the positivity of the group. Well done everyone.
Third and sixth-year students enjoyed a powerful study skills and motivation seminar covering focus, time management, growth mindset, study hacks, and exam confidence from Rayse the Game on Thursday, September 18. Students left feeling encouraged to reach their full potential.
Thank you to the parents/guardians of our 1st year students for joining us on Thursday, September 19. Our guest speaker, Dr. Maureen Griffin, Forensic Psychologist, provided an excellent insight into how best to help manage your child’s online activity.
Dr. Griffin will return to us on Monday, November 10, to deliver workshops and presentations to our various year groups and to parents/guardians that evening. Please mark the date in your diaries!
On Friday, September 19, our Transition years travelled to Dunmore East, possibly the wettest day we have seen so far but it didn’t matter. All the students got stuck into paddle boarding, kayaking, large sea inflatable and indoor archery. A great day was had by all.
