Chalk Talk: Scoil Bríde joins Big Travel Challenge

Aishling Monaghan

Green Schools Ireland invited schools nationwide to take part in a two-week “Big Travel Challenge” from 3rd February to 13th February, promoting sustainable transport.

At Scoil Bríde, Meath Hill National School in Drumconrath, the school community adopted the “park ‘n’ stride” model, encouraging pupils, parents and teachers to park one kilometre from the school and walk the remaining distance, accompanied by staff.

The initiative, themed “Making Connections with people, nature and places”, has seen a number of guest walkers join the daily journey, including a Garda escort, Cole the pony, Jimmy the dog and Oreo the puppy.

Pupils have also carried out litter-picking around the school grounds and along the one-kilometre route as part of the environmental focus of the programme. Rewards for sustainable and active efforts have included extra playtime, homework-free evenings and lunchtime treats.

The school will complete the challenge on 13th February, when pupils plan to hold a celebratory event and perform a song they have written to mark the initiative. Green-Schools Ireland has thanked schools for their participation in the recent Big Travel Challenge and reminded them to submit their final travel figures and application details. Prizes include an invitation to the annual Green Schools Travel Awards at Dublin Zoo on 3rd April 2025.

Green-Schools Ireland has thanked schools for their participation in the recent Big Travel Challenge and reminded them to submit their final travel figures and application details. Prizes include an invitation to the annual Green Schools Travel Awards at Dublin Zoo on 3rd April 2025.

Scoil Bríde, Meath Hill National School in Drumconrath, which recently completed its own Big Travel Challenge initiative, is among the schools now awaiting the outcome.