Forest classroom developed in Coláiste de hÍde

COLÁISTE de hÍde in Tymon, Tallaght, is the site of a new stepping stone forest which was launched last Friday, which the school hopes will develop into a ‘forest classroom’.

Over 20 different species of trees have been planted there, primarily by fifth year students with the assistance of Transition Year students and volunteers from Dodder Action and Tallaght Litter Mugs.

The project was devised by trainee teacher Cian Ó Finn Mac Oistigín, who wanted to carry out a project in the school that would be impactful and have a sense of permanence.

“I chose the forest classroom project at the start of my placement at Coláiste de hÍde, because I had heard how other trainee teachers at schools tended to run things like book clubs and debating clubs among other things,” Mr Ó Finn Mac Oistigín told The Echo.

“I found the idea more appealing to leave something a little more permanent than a simple club that could end up dying out without me there to run it.

“My university had placed a lot of emphasis on the idea that we should ‘leave a mark’ on whichever school we were in, something that we could possibly still see there if we were to return in five or even 10 years’ time.

Teacher Cian Ó Finn Mac Oistigín

“The organisation of the project was not overly difficult, as I have family who are somewhat involved in the Stepping Stone Forest initiative and they had previously asked if I could possibly mention the idea to the school’s leadership.”

The enterprising trainee teacher received the full support of the school community, including the school’s secretary, Sadhbh, and one of the caretakers, Ciarán, who helped to develop the project.

Fifth year students, however, took the mantle when it came to implementing the project and upped their green credentials as a result.

“We had a few year groups involved with the project over the year, however, the fifth years really took a shine to the project,” said Mr Ó Finn Mac Oistigín.

“[They] were involved in both the soil preparation and the actual planting last Friday.

“They learned a fair bit from volunteers around how to plant trees, how deep they should dig and how to ensure that the soil is compacted, and the sapling will not simply be blown over in a light breeze.”

The stepping stone forest is now going to be a key feature of the school, which Ailbhe Ní Fhearraigh, a maths and science teacher in the school, said will hopefully develop into an outdoor classroom.

“The trees are planted in a horseshoe shape, so the idea is that, when they grow, it’ll be sheltered so we’ll be able to take classes outside,” said Ms Ní Fhearraigh.

“The launch on Friday went really well, in terms of the kids getting involved, so we’re really looking forward to seeing how it will turn out and what it will be like.”

This sentiment was echoed by the principal of Coláiste de hÍde, Conchubhair Mac Ghloinn, who added: “It was fantastic to see such great community spirit in action last Friday.

“We look forward to seeing the growth of our trees over the next few months and what this space might provide us with in the future.”

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