Biodiversity Expert visits Scoil Mhuire NS

Biodiversity is the fifth Green Schools theme and looks at steps which can be taken to increase awareness of the importance of native plants, animals and habitats in a locality. As part of our preparation for this Green Flag, we invited a Biodiversity expert, Calvin Jones of www.irelandswildlife.com to visit our school on Monday and Tuesday. And thank goodness we did! The natural world is a source of wonder, excitement and delight for Calvin and it wasn’t long before some of his enthusiasm and vast knowledge was rubbing off on our pupils. He firstly gave an informative presentation in each classroom on Biodiversity and what it actually means. He then followed this with a visit outdoors to explore the wildlife in and around the school – and the habitats they call home. Children searched for as many plants, insects, animals or animal tracks they could spot and ticked them off on their laminated sheet as they discovered them. Junior and Senior infants did some sterling investigative work outside. Well… that was until Calvin threw them off track saying he could see 28 mammals running around the school grounds with coats on! 4th, 5th and 6th class were even lucky enough to walk to the shoreline and investigate the rich biodiversity on offer there. A huge thanks to Calvin for his wealth of information and enthusiasm throughout the two days and for also taking time out to meet with our Green Schools committee and impart invaluable advice and knowledge to them.