Maya Demianiuk from 6th class in Scoil Chaitríona Senior, Renmore, Galway, won the nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes.
At the beginning of the school year JAI in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition from all the students who completed the in-classroom Energize programme. The competition received hundreds of entries from all over Ireland however, Maya’s poster, featuring the heading “If you feel sick, check that quick”, was deemed first among equals. Thanks to Maya’s efforts she was presented with an iPad by Gas Networks Ireland for use in her school classroom.
The Energize programme, supported by Gas Networks Ireland, is delivered to over 5,000 primary school students around Ireland. The programme introduces science to primary school students through practical and engaging classroom-based learning to cultivate an interest in science so that students continue with the subject to second level education.
Maya was guided by their Energize programme volunteer Audrey Haydens from Arm Ireland Ltd. and teacher Michael Mulkerrins.
Class teacher Michael Mulkerrins said: “The Energize programme really supported the curriculum and made science fun and interesting for my class. The opportunity to be creative, paired with practical safety lessons, allowed the students to really engage with the carbon monoxide poster competition. We are delighted Maya has won this award, it’s a great testament to her hard work. Thanks to Audrey Hayden for delivering the Energize programme – she was a great role model for the working world – and Gas Networks Ireland for supporting such an important initiative.”
Ian O’Flynn, Head of Commercial and Corporate Affairs at Gas Networks Ireland commented: “As science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, we’re big supporters of (STEM) education. As sponsors of the Energize programme, we want to develop students’ interest in STEM subjects, with the ultimate aim of inspiring the workforce of the future to pursue STEM careers. Congratulations to Maya and all in Scoil Chaitríona for winning the Term 1 Energize art competition. I’m delighted that so many schools have already engaged with Energize and that we’ve received entries to our carbon monoxide safety poster competition from schools across Ireland. Most importantly, more students are now aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and will be able to spot the warning signs in the future”.
We look forward to seeing more incredible posters from all over Ireland when the carbon monoxide poster competitions take place again over the next two school terms!