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, 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.

Schools across the county are being encouraged to take part in the Big Travel Challenge 2026, organised as part of the Green-Schools Travel theme “Making Connections with people, nature or places.”

Participating schools will be in with a chance of securing new Gold, Silver or Bronze Travel School Awards, with prizes of €500, €400 and €300 respectively.

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