Green Flag

The school community came together on Friday June 18, 2010 to hoist our First Green Flag along with the Health Promoting Schools Flag. Special guests included Mr. Billy Kelleher T.D. Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Ms. Elaine Harte, Ms. Frances Deasy from the Health Promotions Department of the HSE, members of the Board of Management, Members of the Parents Association, people who have paticular connections with the school, parents, pupils and members of staff. The celebration began with a procession of all pupils bearing the two flags. Children dressed up specially for the day - wearing costumes based on Health Promotion and Green themes. The school principal, Mr. Micheál Cremin, extended a "Cead Mile Failte" to all and congratulated the entire school community and especially all who were involved in the various committees.

Ms. Frances Deasy from the Health Promotion Department of the HSE described the role of her department in supporting schools in their quest for Health Promoting Schools status. She gave a detailed account of her interactions with the teachers and pupils of Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Micheál and declared that, following a rigorous assessmet, she was now pleased to declare that the school was officially a Health Promoting School. Ms. Deasy presented wall plaques to Ciarán Quain and Emily Hall, and Ms. O'Donovan.

Ms. O'Donovan spoke on behalf of the Health Promoting Schools Committee. She thanked Ms. Frances Deasy for all her support and assistance. She drew attention to the seanfhocal "Ni neart go cur le cheile" and declared that the results of children, teachers and parents working together were so evident on this proud day. She drew attention to a comprehensive list of issues and initiatives that are included under the banner of "Health Promoting Schools".

Mr. Billy Kelleher T.D. Minister for Trade and Commerce, spoke of his delight at being invited to the school to raise the flags. Minister Kelleher spoke of his time as a pupil in the old school. He spoke very warmly of Mr. Mort Cronin, Deputy Principal, who is retiring this year and recalling the fact that he (the minister) was in Mr. Cronin's first class in the school. Mr. Kelleher then made a presentation to Mr. Cronin on behalf of the Board of Management. The minister praised the pupils and teachers for their hard work and congratulated all the pupils in their wonderful costumes for the day. He referred to the pupils' role as educators in helping their parents to address recycling and waste management issues at home.

Mr. Cronin thanked the minister and referred to his early years in the school. He said that he had always done his best to help everyone and that he had reached a time in his life for a new direction.

Malachy Ryan's drumroll provided the perfect accompanyment to raising the two flags. Ms. Siobhán Carne, parent and music teacher accompanied the pupils in a number of songs. Ms. Carne has contributed so much to the music at Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Micheál and this was clearly evident in the butiful singing of soloists and groups.