St.Louis Infant School

Thursday 26thMay was a proud day for the children, staff and parents in St.Louis Infant School when they raised their first Green Flag. The atmosphere in the school was electric as the children waited eagerly for that very special moment when the Green flag would be raised and fly in front of the school entrance. As one child aptly put it "It was the very best day ever." The celebration began with a get together in the hall for all the children and invited guests who included the members of Board of Management, Parents'Committee, former teachers and Principals of St.Louis G.N.S and St. Mary's B.N.S. There was a particular welcome back for the children who were on the first Green School Committee but have now progressed to the Senior Schools. We had Liam Conway, Tiarnán O Rourke, Kacper Ostrowski, Sofie Callan, Aoife Gavan and Aimee Peppard. Mrs. Mc Tiernan, our school Principal, had a great céad mile fáilte for all present especially Nial O' Connor Environmental Officer in Monaghan Co. Council. She thanked him for his ongoing guidance and support and for the sponsorship provided by the Co.Council. In reply Nial spoke about his enjoyment at being involved with the project and about the friends he made on his visits to the school.

Mrs. Greenan,Green School Coordinator, paid tribute to the all the children, teachers and staff for their involvement. She thanked the B.O.M especially Mr. Fitzgerald for his continuing support and encouragement. There was a special mention of the Green School Committee, Sam ,Megan , Aaron , Caolán , Juste , Mark , Aleksandra , Michael , Lauren , Senan , Charlie , Dion , Nicole , Lorcan , Orla , Luke and Sean .The committee were always full of ideas, keen to get involved and were never afraid to get stuck in and get their hands dirty! Sam, Megan and Aaron led everyone in the reciting of our Green School poem.Then all the children entertained us by singing the School Anthem and our 2 recycling songs. First class gave a beautiful performance on their tin whistles all of which was accompanied by Ms. Walsh on the piano.

It was also a proud moment for St.Louis Infant School with the return of our esteemed past pupil and celebrity guest Seán Rocks. Seán , a Monaghan man and past pupil, is a former actor and has previously presented The Arts Show, Spirit Moves and Rattlebag.He has hosted concerts and events at major venues around the country (NCH, Áras an Uachtarán, Cork City Hall, University of Limerick). Seán is best known as the presenter of ARENA, RTÉ Radio 1's flagship arts and entertainment programme (Mon-Fri 7.30 - 8.30pm)Seán had an immediate rapport with the children telling them stories about his celebrity life and acquaintances. He had stories about Ryan Tubridy and the all important Queen Elizabeth visit and his role in the Dublin Castle event. Seán, a former teacher was fully aware of the green school message Reduce Reuse Recycle. Using story and Gaeilge neamhfhoirmiúil he was able to capture the imagination of the children. He involved the whole school and brought the message alive in a special and fun filled way. The children responded with enthusiasm and showed off their Gaeilge.

The eagerly awaited moment had arrived as everyone in the hall went outdoors to take up their places for the raising of the flag. The excitement mounted as Seán led the children in a countdown and hoisted the flag to great applause from all and a loud chorus of "Tá áthas orm" from the children.