Meet The Team

Nathan Moore

Position(s): Secretary
Contribution: I wrote up the minutes from all of our meetings. I conducted and compiled a report on our bin audit. I took photos, created photo logs and gathered signatures for our petition. I met with Bobby our caretaker to make sure he was on board with our initiative. I basically oversaw the smooth-running for a variety of aspects of our project.
 Bio: I am very environmentally conscious and have been since a young age. I think climate change is going to be one of the most defining issues facing my generation, and I believe we all need to play our part in helping to reduce the effects that we have on our beautiful environment. I have done work with UNICEF before on tackling global warming, and I believe that raising awareness about such issues and giving people within our local community the tools to help reduce their carbon footprint is half the battle.
 Skill sets:

(Past and present)

 I’m very organised. This helped in my role as Secretary. I’m also quite self-motivated which is one of the reasons how and why I got involved in the project. I feel I’m quite confident as well and good at putting forward ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
 What I have learned about myself: I realised that I work quite well under pressure. I also confirmed my previous belief that I have a love for activism and rallying people for a good cause. I could definitely see myself finding a future career in this line of work.

Nathan Moore:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Met with the team officially for the first time – assigned role as secretary To get to know Sue and create a plan for the coming weeks We have a strong-willed, self-motivated team with lots of ambition Keep this spark alive to implement a single-use plastic ban in our school community
11 January – 18 January Conducted a bin audit at lunchtime To get more conclusive statistics on Newpark’s plastic consumption We are a very wasteful society. A majority of rubbish in our bins was single-use plastic We need to get support from our local shops and our canteen in order for our project to be successful
12 January 2018 Conducted a survey on 856 pupils, helped compile results To raise awareness and see where the student body stood on plastic waste The majority of students are on board with our project and are willing to participate We now know that we have the backing of the school community
15 January 2018 Met with staff to discuss initiative, took photos of them holding pledges To rally support from the staff and inform them on what we are trying to achieve The staff are 100% on board and willing to contribute in any way they can We have support from the teachers and they are willing to implement a plastic-ban
17 January 2018 Gathered signatures for our petition and took photos of students pledging to refuse plastic To raise awareness and rally the government and various bodies to support and try and implement our policy elsewhere We have a proactive school community with many people keen to learn more about what we are doing Students are willing to try and make Newpark the first single-use plastic free school in Ireland
18 January 2018 Met with Bobby to inform him about our initiative To help us in creating campaigns and informing the school community We can use any means available to raise awareness When trying to implement the ban we will have all the necessary means of doing so at our disposal

 

Cian Mac Aonghusa

Contribution: I have helped in the process of handing out and tallying surveys. I have written to different councillors inviting them to our press release of this event. I have held a meeting with the mangers of local shops surrounding Newpark talking about how they could help facilitate our new policy regarding plastic. I have written a letter to Newpark management regarding changing parts of the school uniform which have a high plastic content.
 

Bio:

  

The effects of climate change and the Anthropocene are now so serious that it puts the survival of humanity or if not human society in to question within the next century. I have campaigned for housing, abortion, social services, against austerity, racism and war; however, none of these issues will ever be solved unless urgent action is taken to minimalize the effects of climate change so therefore I think it is one’s duty to try and do this. I have been involved in many environmental campaigns like stopping the privatisation of Coillte, keeping oil rigs out of Dublin Bay and trying to stop toxins from the Derry dump leaking into the river Foyle. I also attempted to get single-use plastic out of Newpark a couple years ago with UNICEF however this proved unsuccessful as there was only two of us on the team.
 

Skill sets:

(Past and present)

  

As described above I have lots of experience in local and national campaigning, I have handed out countless leaflets and petitions, I have experience canvassing and encouraging people to get on board with campaigns as well as writing emails to politicians. I am practiced at speaking at public meetings about different issues too.
 

What I have learned about myself:

  

I have learned that only ordinary people uniting together can make a difference in this world, that change doesn’t take place in the corridors of power but instead by ordinary campaigning and that I myself can play a role in history. I have learned that I am surrounded not by apathetic teenagers but by people who really want to change things so now I am more optimistic about the future.

Cian Mac Aonghusa:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 N/A N/A N/A N/A
12 January 2018 I went around to every class to ask them to fill out a survey on awareness and attitude when talking about plastic.

 

 So as we could have an idea of the level of climate consciousness around the school. We took these results into account when strategizing about our campaign. That immaturity about filling out a form with our agenda on it is widespread around our school. Approximately 85% of the school population are willing to change their behaviour. We will be able to use these results to help us strategize our campaigning in the future.
17th January We went around to every form asking them to sign a petition in support of our campaign.

 

 We did this to show evidence of widespread support for our campaign in the school. Trying to instruct large groups of people to do something (I was asking them to group together for a photo) This will create an image of strength when trying to change the culture around Newpark.
18th of January I volunteered to hold a meeting with local shops in the area.

I volunteered to write a letter inviting councillors to our press release.

 

 I feel I have good communication skills and confidence when talking to adults. The question of profits will be a huge challenge for the global environmental movement and one that will have to be answered correctly. Planet Before Profit. There is a major inflow of products in the school from the local Spar and Centra. We will not be able to eliminate single-use plastics from the school without their help
18th January (evening time) I wrote a letter to Spar and Centra requesting a meeting about the upcoming policy change. I wrote a letter to councillors asking them to come to our press release. I wrote a letter to my principal discussing plastics in our school uniform.

 

 To open vital discussions about plastics that our campaign needs. That tone in a business letter is a key skill for the working world. Hopefully if these meetings are successful we can stop single-use plastic form Spar and Centra entering into our school.

 

Rowan Wall

Position(s): Social Media Meister
 

Contribution:

  

Created pages on multiple social media platforms, public relations
 Bio: I have always been extremely interested in animals and different ecosystems across the world and always strive to find out more. I was involved in Green schools in my primary school also. I have good public speaking skills from participating avidly in Model United Nations Conferences while also becoming a quick and deductive thinker.
 Skill sets:

(Past and present)

 Avid social media user and good social skills
 What I have learned about myself: Before this project I wouldn’t have been as good at working with a team and dedicating team time to something. This project has allowed me to understand and develop better teamwork skills such as learning to listen to others and trying to contribute to the conversation. I have also found that while managing a social media page you must dedicate time and must think about what your followers would be interested in.

Rowan Wall:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Had our first official meeting I wanted to help That we need change I will know my job
18 January 2018 We discussed our progress

 

 It gave me more support as to what I should do That we need to work together So I will know what to do

 

Caia Murdock

Position(s): I am in charge of the school diary; the mission statement and I am the petition coordinator.
 

Contribution:

 

I produced a well put together petition that every student and teacher in the school must sign to show that our whole school is supporting us in regard to our mission. I also wrote letters to Minister Naughton, Minister Bruton and our canteen, The Lunchbox.
 Bio: My name is Caia Murdock and I’m 15 years old. I’m a very open person, when it comes to trying new things, I take any opportunity that I can get! I really wanted to get involved in this project because it’s something that I’ve never done before. One of the main reasons why I got involved was to raise awareness about the impact that single-use plastics have on the environment. I’m really hoping that myself and my group, will go far in the competition!
 Skill sets:

(Past and present)

 I possess many different skills such as communication skills, organisational skills and team work skills. Throughout the duration of this project, I will be able to use the skills that I have so that myself and my team will be able to achieve our goals!
 What I have learned about myself: Over the course of this project, I have learned a lot about myself. I have realised that I’m actually really good at working as part of a team. I have also realised the things that I am capable of when I really put my mind to something. I feel like I’ve gained a lot of knowledge when it comes to the environment and I can really see how easy it is to make a difference!

Caia Murdock:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 I took some notes of the tasks I had to complete, and I signed a contract saying that I would be responsible and do my fair share of work within the project. I did this to show that I was loyal to the environmental project and I took notes so that I would be able to stay on top of the work that I had to complete. I’ve learned how important it is to be committed to tasks because if you are not committed, the whole plan may fall apart, and I also don’t want to let my team members down. This will help me in the future because I will have experience when it comes to working as part of a team and I will have the necessary skills to work and communicate with other people.
14th of January Today I created a petition that is going to be handed out to all the students and staff to sign. I did this so that we can show the judges that our school community supports us with our environmental project. I have learned new computer skills because I made the petition digitally. This will help me in the future because if I ever need to create a petition for something, I will know exactly how to do it.
17th of January Today myself and a few of my team members went around the classes and got everyone to sign the petition. We also took pictures of each class while they were holding signs saying ‘I refuse single-use plastic’. We did this because we wanted to show that everyone would sign the petition to support us and we took photos to give as evidence that we physically went around the classes and took them. I have learned that I’m quite good at getting people to listen and cooperate when it came to take the photos of each class. This will help me in the future because if I ever need to do something that involves working with others, I know that I have good communication skills and I know that I am able to get people to listen to me.

 

Edoardo Nestor

Position(s): Photographer, Graphic Design
 

Contribution:

  

I designed the team logo and took and sorted out photos.
 

Bio:

  

I am confident that we will be remembered as the lazy generation who preferred to sign online petitions, rather than take real action with regards to pollution. I was offered a place on the team and was very happy to take up the offer, play my part in creating Ireland’s first single-use-plastic free school.
 

Skill sets:

(Past and present)

  

I have some artistic vision, and I can communicate ideas well. I know what I am capable of, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when I know I need it.
 

What I have learned about myself:

  

During the project I saw that my original thoughts and aspirations were quite pessimistic, after helping count the surveys I realised that the number of people with the will and the ability to effect change far outnumber the quantity of people not willing to give saving the world’s oceans a try.

 

Edoardo Nestor:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Got assigned the roll of photographer Of the rolls available, it was the one I felt I could do the best job of That I underestimated the quantity of work involved in the project In future I will try to have a more realistic concept of how much time tasks take.
12 January 2018 Was debriefed on the tasks at hand.

 

 To be organised since we didn’t have much time N/A N/A

 

Cilian Kerskens

Position(s): Art and Poster designer. Teacher presentation Speaker
 

Bio:

  

I decided to join the project as it reflects what I believe in as a vegan. I believe that we can make our school more eco-friendly and create a chain reaction that affects other schools and communities.
 Skill sets:

(Past and present)

 I am able to compose music to a good musical standard and I have grown up with an artist for a mother and can design and or make graphic designs.
 What I have learned about myself: I have learned that I am not very good at public speaking in certain situations and that I often am prepared but haven’t learned my speech to a degree where I could memorize it.

Cilian Kerskens:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Planned how we would undertake this project. To make sure everyone knew what they were doing. Important strategies that help to team build and manage human beings for projects. If I would ever have a company or have to manage people in the future this would help.
12 January 2018 We planned our consultation with the teachers in the school and how we would get them to rally the students to our cause.

 

 To prepare ourselves for the consultation and rallying of the teachers. That I am in fact not a good speaker when put under pressure and in an environment I am unfamiliar with. That I should develop better speaking skills and make me better at speaking in the future.

 

Sydney Levene

Contribution: Writing a report on going to the plastics protest at the Dáil.
 

Bio:

  

I had the idea to take single-use plastics out of the school and I wanted to help the cause.
 

Skill sets:

(Past and present)

  

I have I.T skills, photoshop skills, music, social media, directing and camera work
 

What I have learned about myself:

  

I’m very passionate about this project but I need to be more organized with my time so that I can help the team achieve our targets.

 

Sydney Levene:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 N/A N/A N/A N/A
12 January 2018 N/A N/A N/A N/A

 

(Sydney has been absent from school for a majority of meetings and activities)

 

Mia Knowles

Contribution: I have spoken to the school’s caretaker about the project we are undertaking as we felt it was important to get him on board. I also help out with the art team, by cutting out some photos that we had taken of students signing the petition.

I also went around to classes to let students know about the competition we were running to come up with slogans for the campaign.
Bio: I am really interested in environmentally issues and believe that we are all responsible for the impact we are having on the environment. If we all just do-little things it can have a really big impact.  That’s why I got involved in this project as I think it is really important that we start taking action to help improve our environment and how we think about single use plastic.
Skill sets:

(Past and present)

 I have previously done a workshop in school for first years that required me to use team leadership skills. I am able to bring these skills to this project to help when it comes to organising and putting plans in place.
What I have learned about myself: I have learned to be more aware of my consumption of signal use plastic. I have also learnt that I can influence others by making them aware of the damage that it is doing to our planet. I also learnt that I like working as part of a large team because it makes it easier to get more done.

Mia Knowles:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 N/A N/A N/A N/A
18 January 2018 I talked to our caretaker

 

 To inform him of what we were doing and to get him on board. I learned how to pitch an idea and to encourage people to get involved. This will help me with my communication skills in the future and make me more confident.

 

Oscar Meagher

Position(s): Film/ Art design & Video Maker

 
Contribution: I have been involved with the poster and am currently making a film expressing what our team is trying to accomplish. I don’t really pitch the ideas, I sit at the end of the table and smile, I like to think it brightens up everyone’s day.

 
Bio: I thoroughly enjoyed our class on Sustainability Studies. I became heavily involved with our class assignment in the module, by taking control of running a workshop for 1st year students on rising sea levels. Subsequently this led to my involvement on the Plastic Outta the Park team. While I can’t be bothered by much, I have been convinced about how important our goal really is.

 
Skill sets:

(Past and present)

  I have learned that I have a talent in film-making and most forms of art. If given full creative control of a particular task, I like to do things in a very creative way. I’m not really a main player; I’m the team’s cheerleader.
 

What I have learned about myself:

  

I learned more and more about our cause, I hope to share this information with the rest of my peers. I hope our efforts spread not only here in Newpark but in other schools as well.

Oscar Meagher:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 I met the team and was briefed on what we were going to be doing I did it because I firmly believe in our cause I was taken aback by how much my team mates truly care about this. They seem to be willing to do a lot. It’s quite inspiring. I will not feel the weight of our responsibility is only upon my shoulders as it has been before. This group is 100% committed
12 January 2018 I was shown the poster and was given the job of designing it.

I made a video for our social media channels

 

 I wanted to prove my worth to the team I realised just how impactful our mission will be to the school It will not only help me but the entire school, others as well

 

Liza Kurevleva

Position(s): Research

 
Contribution: Researching single-use plastic and its effect locally and globally. Finding alternative packaging to use instead of plastic within the school.
Bio: I have been a part of the Green Schools Committee in Newpark, since first year and I think this project is a great chance to have everyone in the school involved in making our school single-use plastic free.

 

 
Skill sets:

 

 I enjoy research and have experience in working in a group like Green Schools, I have access to creating digital art.

 
What I have learned about myself: I have learnt how to organise myself and work under time constraints. I have learnt that researching is a very tedious, difficult process but very rewarding.

Liza Kurevleva:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Took on the role of writing Step 2 of the project and finding alternatives for our food packaging in the school. A big source of single-use plastic in our school is the food distributers so I think its important to find them alternatives. I learnt how to critically think about how I can implement certain things into school, what will work and what isn’t realistic. I feel like thinking realistically and knowing the scope of your project will help me greatly in the area of work I am interested in.
14 January 2018 Made a PowerPoint that was presented to the staff at a meeting.

 

 To get the staff involved and to show them the damage single-use plastic is causing our environment. I have learnt how to work under time limits as I did not have a lot of time to get the PowerPoint done. It will help me in finding the most efficient way to do something in a limited time space.
18 January 2018 Finished writing Step 2 of project.

 

 To show evidence of our knowledge on the environmental issue we chose. I have learnt to research and source what I have discovered. In any projects including research or just broadening my personal knowledge.

 

Constantine Iordanov

Position(s): Marketing & School Diary information

 
Contribution: Speaking to our Vice Principal about getting information regarding single-use plastic in the school journal. Creating a template for the school journal which was show to the Vice Principal. Pitching to the publishers of the school journal a template, so we can get it in the school journals nationwide. Since, the Vice Principal has said he’ll organise a meeting with them for us.
 Bio: I am a passionate, organized and energetic individual, who is committed to reducing the devastating effects plastic has on our environment. I joined the Eco-Warriors (Plastic Outta’ The Park) as this is a vital campaign that will bring benefits to our school and the environment.
 

Skill sets:

 

  

Public Speaking – I went around to classes in explaining our mission, I also spoke to our Vice Principal about getting information regarding single-use plastic in the journals. I will be pitching our template to him and possibly the publishers or the school journal, as he said he can arrange a meeting for us with them.

 

Organisational skill – By sticking to deadlines and sending out and completing tasks in the most efficient time manner possible.

 

Marketing/ Design – By creating a template for the school journal and putting in what information will be in them. Ensuring the information grabs people’s attention and incentivizes them to reduce the amount of single-use plastic they use. Creating the notification in the school app.

 

Photography – Taking pictures of the individuals taking part in the petition with their “I refuse single-use plastic”.
 

What I have learned about myself:

  

That while I may not be the most artistic person, I can still design things in a way that stands out.

Constantine Iordanov:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Established what role everyone will have. This way everyone is pulling their weight. N/A N/A
12 January 2018 Bin audits As the more of us do the bin audits, the more statistical date we can collect. In general, most people tend to put their single-use plastic bottles in the recycling bin. It shows us that people are keen to recycle even though the bottles are not recyclable, people still want to recycle their waste.
18 January 2018 Speaking to the Vice Principal about getting our message in the school journal.

Researching & writing the piece for the school diary.

 So that students can understand why we are trying to minimize plastic waste. That sometimes if you are pitching an idea that has a noble benefit, people will go beyond what you asked for. It means that we can get our campaign to grow bigger.

 

Maya Baum

Position(s): Survey co-ordinator, speaker
Contribution: I contributed by making and distributing the survey to the school and helped to compile all of the data we received. I also gave a speech to all of the staff at Newpark convincing them of the value of this project, with the aim of getting them on board with our idea.
Bio: I have always been very passionate about the issues we are facing concerning the environment and have always seen plastics as one of the biggest. Because of this I was extremely willing to get involved in this project and start tackling this huge issue.
Skill sets: Public speaking, numeric skills, statistics knowledge, co-ordination and organisational skills
What I have  learned about myself: Throughout this project I have learned that my strengths in group work lie in management and organisation, through working with other members of our team. I also learnt that I should be more confident in myself and my ideas from doing the speech to the staff, as that really tested me and my skills.

Maya Baum:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Filled in skills sheet, offered ideas to discussion So, we had an idea of everyone’s skill set, and how we wanted to be involved in the project I learnt how to self-identify skills and learnt about the others in the team In order to progress in the project, we needed to have an idea of everyone’s strengths
11 January 2018 Made the survey that would be distributed We needed to distribute it as soon as we could How to make a survey properly If I ever need to make a survey again I will have the experience required
12 January 2018 Met with our group to discuss staff meeting on Monday

 

 We needed a number of representatives to speak in front of them about our initiative
12 January 2018 Carried out the whole school survey To find out the school’s opinion on our initiative How to be more confident in going into teacher’s classes to carry it out To be more confident and assertive in my general life
14 January Met up with a number of people from the team to count the surveys

 

 So, we had the results as soon as possible We learnt how to work as a team better, as we formed a system to get it done as fast as possible It is important to be able to work in teams and come up with solutions to problems together with others
15 January 2018 Made speech at the staff meeting

 

 To convince the body of staff of our project and its worth I enjoy speaking in public, and practised speech writing skills It is valuable experience in public speaking, for any future things I might have to do

 

Oisin O’Kelly

Position(s): Purchasing manager
Contribution: Researching bottles to price ordering them into the school
Bio: N/A
Skill sets: I have business skills, music skills, sports skills and academic skills
What I have learned about myself: I am a lot more enthusiastic about the environment than I previously thought

 

Oisin O’Kelly:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
11 January 2018

(First official meeting)

 Agreed to become purchasing manager and researcher We were required to It was tougher than I thought to organize the project N/A
12 January 2018  Not at meeting N/A

 

 N/A N/A

 

Siyuan Xu

Position(s): Graphic Designer, Lead Advertiser
Contribution: Created digital graphics including logos, advertisement posters, documents, etc,
Bio: I have won the YEA last year and despite being in fifth year I am still environmentally conscious and am contributing as much as I can to help my local environment
Skill sets: Proficiency in Word, graphic design, and advertisement
What I have learned about myself: I have improved my skills in making documents through partaking tasks and challenges I’ve never done before

Siyuan Xu:

Key dates: What you did: Why did you do it? What have you learned? How will this help you in the future?
29th January 2018 Designed Logo A logo was necessary to kickstart the campaign What file formats to use for what mediums Partake a larger variety of jobs
5th February 2018 Created new bottle advertisement posters

 

 To bring publicity to our actions Computer skills Prioritising certain aspects of documents over others for better graphics
5th February 2018 Created advertisement to campaign Show what we are doing to the public Formats for attracting attention Knowledge for future pieces
12th February 2018 Bottle advertisements and info

 

 To provide consumers with product details Transparent image manipulation Advertisement skills for projects in the future
1rst March Invites and RSVP info To invite supporters to the kick off of our campaign Correct format for digital and physical invitation cards Knowledge to repeat process