Upperchurch National School

We are delighted to announce that Scoil Íosagáin has been selected as the Tipperary winner for the Solar Schools Competition, winning both the public and judges vote.
We have won solar panels for our school which will allow us to use free power all day generated directly from our roof, and really reduce our carbon emissions. During the weekends and holidays we will be able to sell any power we do not use to ‘Community Renewable Energy Supply’ (Cres). It’s really a win, win, for our school and the climate. Sincere thanks to all who voted and supported Upperchurch NS.

Scoil Íosagáin Solar Schools Entry:

Why do you want solar panels?

– We want to be a, Friends of the Earth ‘Sun School’ and be a leading light in promoting Climate change in our Community.
– Proven record as a Green School – achieved four green flags, working on our fifth.
– Build on this momentum- become a small generating station of our own.
– Save on energy costs, earn vital funds for our school eg. to install an all weather pitch for pupils (nowhere to play during Winter weather) and playground equipment for younger pupils.
– As a solar school we would lead by example and be a showpiece for the 400 households in our parish linking in with the work of the local Energy Team in conserving energy (Imagine all pupils in our school telling our parents about getting electricity from the sun)
– Ireland is bottom of the class in Europe in reaching 2020 targets-Upsets our pupils- NOT THE FUTURE WE WANT.
– We want to be the force of change for schools, communities, our country and globally, thus making us all fit for the future.

Small steps for us, a giant leap for our planet.

What is your idea for an activity on climate change or renewable energy in your community/school?

– Solar Energy-Climate Change Awareness Week!
– Classes present projects and conduct experiments to explore and showcase Solar Power and
other Renewable Energy sources to pupils and staff.
– Poster competition and School chant competition-raise awareness and create a buzz around Solar
energy and climate change.
– Week ends with a ‘Run on Sun’ themed Colour Run,( yellow paint only), participants wear yellow
tops, sun symbols/stickers.
– Fun Run around our local Bog Walk beside the school-highlight our local bog as a natural carbon
reservoir, a natural preserved area where community members walk daily.
– Invite parents, parishioners, local TDs, politicians, local press to spread the message of the
importance of renewable energy and climate change.
– Afterwards, invite all participants back to the school for refreshments-Invite Mary Robinson as
Guest Speaker-leading international figure for Climate Change awareness!
– Pupils present projects on display in the school, try out Renewable Energy experiments with the
adults, present the winning chant and poster to all present, entertain guests with performance of
our very own Sunshine Singing Medley.
– Invite Solar panel providers to offer information, advice and demonstrations on Solar power.
– Publish photos, information and videos of week’s activities in School bulletin, parish newsletter,
school website, social media and local newspaper.