The Department can provide free help and assistance to schools and other groups who wish to raise awareness of environmental issues. This assistance is particularly relevant to those schools involved in the Eco Schools programme.
The Department’s Environmental Co-ordinator provides a range of environmental education initiatives aimed at schools and community groups to
- promote sustainability,
- encourage greater recycling by raising awareness of the Council’s recycling facilities and the brown and blue bin recycling schemes
- raise awareness of litter and promote a litter free environment.
- encourage local schools to participate in the Eco Schools Programme
Schools Environmental Awareness Newsletter
A twice yearly Schools’ Environmental Awareness Newsletter is distributed to all schools in the district.
Click the link to access the most recent editions of the newsletter:
September 2010 Schools Environmental Newsletter
January 2011 Schools Environmental newsletter
September 2011 Schools' Environmental Awareness Newsletter
February 2012 Schools' Environmental Awareness Newsletter
October 2012 Schools' Environmental Awareness Newsletter
A litter education pack for key stage 1 and 2 is available on request .
Eco-Schools
Schools are encouraged to register with the Eco-Schools programme to achieve the coveted Green Flag award. Details on how the programme works, including how to register, can be found on the eco school website www.eco-schoolsni.org or by contacting Tidy Northern Ireland direct on 028 9073 6920 or visiting the Eco Schools web site at www.eco-schoolsni.org.
In 2010 Newry and Mourne District Council have 50 schools registered with the Eco Schools programme. 19 schools have achieved the bronze award, 5 schools have achieved the silver award and 7 schools have been presented with the coveted, and internationally recognised, Green Flag.
In 2010 St Colman's College, Newry and St Malachy's Nursery Carnegat Newry received their first Green Flags. St Joseph's Primary School Bessbrook also renewed their flag which they first received in 2009. Pictured is Mayor Councillor John Feehan hosting a green flag presentation for members of each schools' Eco Committees. Also pictured are teachers Theresa Mohamed, Patrice Early, Chrisitine Campbell and Colin Latham, NI Eco Schools Manager.
Environmental Youth Speak Competition 2013
The Environmental Youth Speak competition has been running successfully for over 15 years and is organised by the three NI Waste Management Groups and all twenty-six local Councils.The competition begins at Council level, progresses to Regional level and culminates in the crowning of two Northern Ireland Champions.
Top Prize : £500 voucher for winning school in each category, £50 for winning pupil + other goodies.
*New for 2013: Y10 pupils can participate in the Senior category*
This year's topics are:
Junior Section (For P6 and P7 pupils) My waste's got talent: what can it become?
Senior Section (For Yr 8, Yr 9 & Yr 10 pupils)
The true cost of waste.
The Newry and Mourne District Council heat takes place on Thursday 28th February 2013.
For further information please Download the application form here.
Or contact Patrick McShane, Environmental Co-ordinator on 028 3031 3100 or by e mail at patrick.mcshane@newryandmourne.gov.uk.
Please note the closing date for entries is 1st February 2013.
Clips of previous year's winners can be viewed on the following link.
Annual Initiatives
A number of annual environmental initiatives also take place :
School Talks
In addition the following talks and presentations are available to schools on request :
BLUE BIN TALK - Lasting between 45 minutes and an hour this talk can be tailored to key stages 1,2 and 3. While more suitable for single class sizes, larger groups can be accommodated. Key stage 1 and 2 is highly interactive and can be accompanied with a cartoon video and the popular “String Quiz”. The Key stage 3 talk is more formal with a power point slide presentation. Worksheets are provided for teachers use.
BROWN BIN - Lasting 45 minutes to an hour this talk is suitable for Key Stage 2 only and strictly for groups of approximately 30 . The talk covers the differrent options available such as the home composter, the eco wormery and the Council’s own brown bin scheme.
LITTER - Litter is still a major problem in our district. The Council’s Litter Enforcement officers can visit your school to reinforce the anti-litter message. These talks are subject to our litter officers being available do booking is required well in advance.
Schools can request a talk/presentation or seek further advice by contacting Patrick Mc Shane, Environmental Co-ordinator on 028 3031 3100 or e mailing patrick.mcshane@newryandmourne.gov.uk.