What is Eco Schools? 

"The Eco Schools programme consists of a growing community of schools throughout Europe who are committed to the continuous improvement of their local environment.  Most young people care deeply about environmental issues and wish to make a positive change in the environment around them. The Eco-Schools programme provides an ideal way for fostering environmental awareness in the entire school in a way that links to many curriculum subjects. The primary aim of the Eco-Schools programme is to educate and empower young people to make positive decisions and become change makers for an environmentally sustainable world."

Please see their website for further details. http://www.eco-schoolsni.org/cgi-bin/generic?instanceID=1

 

As schools develop their environment they are awarded bronze and silver certificates and Green Flag status.

 

Our school has recently elected a new Eco Committee consisting of nine Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils.  The committee, with the help of the whole school community, will work together towards achieving awards.

 

Keep following our page for updates on how we are getting on...

Rubbish Sculpture Recycling Competition 

 

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are holding a Rubbish Sculpture Recycling Competition for all primary school children. 

 

The Challenge: 

 

Primary school children in the borough are invited to take part in the competition by creating a Rubbish Sculpture out of the recyclable items found in their recycling bin/box. It can be a robot, a rocket or even a dinosaur. There are so many creations waiting to be discovered! 

 

The aim of the challenge is to make children more aware of the everyday things we throw away and to encourage them to think more about the importance of recycling and re-use. 

 

The Rules: 

 

• The competition is only open to children who attend school in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough area. 

• Only one entry per child. 

• Sculptures must be made from at least two recyclable materials found in your recycling bin/box. 

• Sculptures must be 3D. 

• All materials used in the creation of your sculpture (apart from paint, tape, glue or fasteners used to hold it together) must be recycled from your recycling bin/box.  

• Entries must include the child’s, name, school, class and contact details and a paragraph explaining what your sculpture is and listing the main materials used.  

• It must also include a minimum of two photos but no more than four of your sculpture.  

• Sculptures must be photographed and entries must be submitted electronically to recyclingcompetition@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk by Wednesday 9th June 2021. 

• Winners will be selected at random; all complete entries will be in with a chance of winning.   

• By submitting an entry to the competition, you are giving Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council permission to use the photos included on council social media channels.  

 

The Prizes: 

Six lucky winners will receive an Amazon Fire 7 tablet. The prizes will be split into three categories – 

P1 & P2, P3 & P4, P5, P6 &P7.  

 

Closing Date: 

The competition closes on 9th June 2021. 

 

 

Good Luck MPS pupils! 

Hedgehog Awareness Week: 2nd - 8th May 2021

 

Hedgehog Awareness Week aims to raise the profile of Britain’s only spiny mammal. This year the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is asking people to create their very own hedgehog haven! Gardens are a stronghold for hedgehogs and we can make their lives so much easier with very little effort! 

 

There are many things we can all do to help hedgehogs.  Here are just a few:

• Make sure hedgehogs can access your garden with a ‘Hedgehog Highway’ a 5” x 5” (13 x 13cm) square gap in the bottom of fences or walls should do it! Once created you can log these on the BIG Hedgehog Map at www.bighedgehogmap.org

• Create a log pile that will offer shelter and natural food

• Build a Hedgehog Home (see plans at www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/hedgehog-homes)

• Check areas carefully before mowing or strimming

• Ensure netting is kept at a height that allows hedgehogs to pass safely under it

• Check compost heaps carefully before digging the fork in

• Stop using pesticides and poisons

• Cover drains or deep holes

• Ensure there is an easy route out of ponds and pools

 

Why not let us know what you have done to help our spiny little friends?  Take a photograph or send some information to record your contribution to sblack620@c2kni.net.

 

Colouring Competition Results

 

MPS Eco-committee have chosen the winners of the 'Eco-schools Easter Mindfulness Colouring Competition'.  It was quite a difficult task as there were many excellent entries to choose from.  A big "well done" to all those pupils who took time out over Easter to complete the colouring.  The winners are as follows:

 

Primary 1 - Leah Dougan

Primary 2 - Jasmine Wilson

Primary 3 - Tommy Meehan

Primary 4 - Erin McCool

Primary 5 - Zoe Skrzypczyk

Primary 6 - Naomi Hamilton

Primary 7 - Rebekah Parr

 

Congratulations everyone! The winners will receive a 'Treewise' pencil made from recycled newspapers and a chocolate treat.

Mindfulness is an important concept addressed within the Eco-schools topic of 'Healthy Living'.  Mindfulness is the process of keeping your attention and thoughts on the present moment and can help to improve your mood, concentration, focus and well-being.  Mindfulness colouring is a calming activity that can be used to help lower stress levels and promote good overall health.  This Easter, why not 'take time' out to complete our "Easter Mindfulness Colouring Competition".  Please download the entry page below suitable for your class (Primary 1 and 2 or Primary 3 - 7).  Entries should be returned to your class teacher on Monday 12th April.  Please state your name and year group on the back of your page.  Our eco-committee will then be given the difficult task of selecting a winner from each year group.  Good luck everyone!    

Be an Eco-champion this half-term ♻️

Are you hoping to spend a little more time outdoors next week during half-term? 🤞🏻
Have you been enjoying “lockdown” walks/cycles/scoots in our tranquil countryside?  🚶🚴🏻‍♀️
Have you noticed how beautiful the world around us really is? ❤️
Have you noticed that some people do not look after our surroundings and spoil them with litter? ☹️
Can you make a difference even though you are only a tiny person? 🤔 
ABSOLUTELY 🤩
Mrs Black has a challenge for you 💪🏼
🚮 When you are out and about, dispose of your rubbish in a bin or bring it home with you. 
👀 Look out for litter - if you can, and it is safe to do so, can you pick it up? 
No matter how young you are, you can be the change our world needs to see! 😊 
You can send your photos of your litter warrior adventures to: 
📷 sblack620@c2kni.net 📷

Election Results: 

 

Chairperson: Holly

Vice-chairperson: Harry

Secretary: Ruben 

 

 

Term 1: Committee Meeting 1

Friday 20th November 2020 @ 2.25pm 

Agenda: Elect a Chair, Vice-chair and Secretary of the committee.

Please see their website for further details. http://www.eco-schoolsni.org/cgi-bin/generic?instanceID=1

 

 

Our school has recently elected a new Eco Committee consisting of eight Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils.  The committee, with the help of the whole school community, will work together towards achieving awards.

 

Keep following our page for updates on how we are getting on...