Green-Schools, known internationally as Eco-Schools, is an international environmental education programme, environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole-school action for the environment. 

We currently hold 10 Green Flag Awards - the maximum number available!!!!

The Green School’s theme for 2018-2020 was Global Citizenship Travel.

In October 2018 we welcomed Dave Brooks of The Green Schools Travel and Core Office to St Olivers.  We conducted a travel survey from 3^rd to 6^th Class to see how children travelled to school and their preferred mode of transport.   Walking, scooting, carpooling and park/stride were preferable to driving in a single vehicle car.  The survey showed how sustainable travel is a better option than a car, how cars affect our health and environment and initiatives to promote sustainable travel.

The Committee was chosen from 5^th Class.  We did a mapping exercise which showed the most travelled routes to school.  Three walking bus drop off locations were set up.  All parents were delighted to see their children embarking on a healthy lifestyle while making new friends along the various routes.   We did a walkability audit and looked at the road markings and crossings etc.   A letter was written to the local Council to improve all markings.   Dave Brooks visited numerous classes playing road safety games, teaching about global warming, putting on a helmet correctly and how to cycle a bicycle correctly.   Our lollipop lady Julie and local Gardai visited classes speaking on road safety.

We took part in the Green Schools’ Big Travel Competition in Feb 19.  We chose to take up the Park and Stride Challenge and won 1^st Prize in the Competition.   The Committee and staff were treated to a lovely day out in Dublin Zoo and won a cheque for €500 and a plaque from An Taisce.

Throughout the 2 years we covered topics such as traffic awareness, pedestrian safety, a slogan competition and a safe parking campaign.   All classes went on nature walks through Killarney National Park, walking Torc Mountain, walking from Kenmare to Killarney.   We also did The Gap Trip – a boat across Killarney Lakes and a walk through the Gap of Dunloe and back to Killarney for all our 6^th Class pupils.  We also cycled through the National Park for the 5^th and 6^th Classes.  We applied for and were granted stands for scooters and bike shelters.

We revisited all other themes over the 2 years and we now have a single use bottle policy throughout the school and all papers are brought home to dispose of properly.

In summer of 2020 , we were awarded our 10^th Green Flag and Certificate from An Taisce.   One of our slogans was “Stop The Talk and just Walk the Walk.

Bualadh bos gach éinne agus ní neart go cur le  chéile.