Kilbarron National School is a very proud Green School. We are currently working towards our fifth Green flag. Our theme is Biodiversity.

We have already been awarded green flags for the following:

• Litter and Waste Theme: In May 2015 we were awarded our first Green Flag. The Litter and Waste Theme enabled the children to learn all about the importance of reducing the amount of waste we produce in Kilbarron N.S by re-using, repairing, composting, recycling and most importantly, trying to prevent waste in school and at home.

• Energy Awareness: In May 2020 we were awarded our second Green Flag. The energy theme encouraged our children to develop their awareness around energy conservation. We looked at the steps which can be taken at school to reduce energy consumption and raise awareness and knowledge of renewable energy and climate change. 

• Water Conservation: In May 2022 we were awarded our third Green Flag. The Water theme focused on how to reduce the amount of water our schools use and developing water saving awareness around water conservation and rainwater harvesting. As a result of conducting regular water readings, we realised we had a massive leak within the school which we then rectified. Our school was awarded the title of Regional Winner, Primary Water School or the Year for the North and West. We attended the Green Schools Water Awards 2022 in Dublin. We received a Regional Award ‘Primary Water School of the Year North and West’. Kilbarron N.S was one of four regional winners, therefore our school was in the top 4 out of 74 schools who were awarded their Green Schools Flag for the water theme in 2022. What an achievement for the school to have been presented with a National Award.

• Travel Theme: In May 2024 we were awarded our fourth Green Flag. The Travel theme focused on increasing the number of students/staff engaging in active travel to school either by walking, scooting, cycling, carpooling or taking the bus to school. We were also delighted to be chosen to participate in the campaign ‘Safety at the Gate Day’. Donegal Road Safety Working Group were focusing on the need for slower speeds outside school gates. Four schools across the county were chosen and Kilbarron N.S was one of them. On Monday 23rd October 2023, members of the Donegal Road Safety Working Group, in the company of An Garda Siochana, highlighted the need for reduced speed at our school gate.

This year we are very busy working towards our 5th Green Flag. Our theme is biodiversity. For this theme, we are exploring and identifying the plants, insects and animals that are already present in our school environment. We are also working on ways to increase the levels of biodiversity present. Our committee has been busy creating a habitat map of our school grounds and conducting a survey on biodiversity awareness in our school. 

Here are our Green School Slogans:

Our Green Schools committees are made up of pupils from 2^nd to 6^th class, teachers and SNAs. Each year the children are surveyed to see which committee they would like to become a part of. If a number of children want to become a member of a particular committee, a lottery takes place. The committee changes every year to allow other children to get involved and be a part of achieving the set targets and to add new ideas. It was also decided that any decisions made or information gathered at the committee meetings would be shared with all the children throughout the school. This allows all children not directly involved on the committee to have an input and share their ideas.

Meet our Green Schools Committee for 2024/2025: