St Peter’s National School, Mountcharles, Co. Donegal were named as regional Water School of the Year at the An Taisce Green-Schools awards, which were held in Dublin last month. The school emerged as regional winners in the primary school-level category on the back of their inspirational efforts in water conservation and environmental action.
The annual event marked the twelfth year of Uisce Éireann’s sponsorship of An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme, which supports schools working to gain a Green Flag under the water theme.
Students from the Model school embraced the Shower Time Challenge, encouraging their families to shorten shower durations and opt for showers over baths to conserve water. This student-led initiative sparked meaningful conversations at home about the importance of everyday actions in protecting the environment.
Determined to cut water usage by 20%, the school achieved its goal through a series of simple measures. Hippo bags were installed in toilet cisterns, leaks were identified and repaired and water butts were set up to collect rainwater for the school garden. The Green-Schools Committee – comprising students from every year – led the charge, visiting each class to share practical tips on how to save water.
The entire school community came together for a powerful Action Day, which included a Walk for Water event. This activity simulated the long daily journeys that many people, especially women and children, must make to access water. The event deepened students’ appreciation for water as a vital, shared resource.
Parents and former staff members also played a vital role, lending their time and knowledge to help students maintain the school garden. With vegetable plots, wildflowers and a student-made wildlife pond that fills naturally, the garden has become a vibrant learning space.
Throughout the Green-Schools Water theme, students developed valuable life skills, including teamwork, communication, and creativity, while leading with enthusiasm and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.
The Green-Schools water theme is a grassroots sponsorship that aims to foster awareness and understanding of a range of activities, tailored to students at both primary level and secondary level. In addition to developing awareness around water conservation, the sponsorship incorporates wider engagement around stewardship of our water resources.
