ABOUT US

We ARE …

**a community of students and teachers who are committed to teaching climate and ecological literacy in schools across Ireland.**
**We work together to build dynamic, educational programs and workshops that build confidence and inspire climate action in our schools and communities.**

We want to …

**We want to empower teachers to bring climate and biodiversity education into their classrooms by providing free resources and community support.**

we believe that

Climate and nature education is a priority and should be woven into the fabric of school life from primary through to secondary school

our mission is to reimagine our education system

and foster a culture of agency and empowerment steering away from a culture of apathy and acceptance. Working together we can create a community that sees nature as something with its own inherent value rather than a resource to be exploited. Education should inspire critical thinking and active democracy ensuring that everyone feels that they have a role in shaping a better future.

Meet the Team

Patrick Kirwan

FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
To engage his students with nature, Patrick established an Environmental Leadership Development Programme while teaching science in London. On returning to Ireland, he replicated the model in Ardscoil na Mara, Co. Waterford. In March, 2021 he founded the ISSN to build partnerships with the hope of changing the education system from within. He has developed a series of national initiatives including the Climate and Nature Summit, 5 Minutes of Sustainability, and Bitesize Biodiversity.
patrickkirwan@ardscoilnamara.ie
mary moore

DIRECTOR
Mary is a primary school teacher in Clerihan N.S. in Tipperary. She is interested in STEM education, education for sustainable development and outdoor learning. She has been involved in numerous ISSN initiatives including the Climate and Nature Summit.
marymoore@clerihanns.com
Codie Preston

BOARD MEMBER
Codie is a science & biology teacher in Rockbrook Park School in Dublin. His passion for nature and concern for the environment is what motivates him. He represented the ISSN at the Citizens Assembly on biodiversity loss and has the responsibility for Youth Action for the ISSN. Codie created the ISSN Student ambassador program which he leads on. Outside of school he is also involved in the GAA green clubs programme as well as other community initiatives.
cpreston@rockbrook.ie
LK

PROJECT DEVELOPER/OPERATIONS MANAGER
LK is an environmental educator and climate activist. She designs and delivers programs and projects that highlight the power of stories, solutions, and community action. When not curating narratives or orchestrating exhibitions, LK can be found in the forest, on top of a mountain, or in the sea. Her diverse experience encompasses urban gardening initiatives, the delivery of international youth summits, and the creation of sustainable workplace programs, which underscores her belief in the transformative potential of collective efforts towards meaningful change. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Irishschsusty@gmail.com
Florence

FACILITATOR
Florence is a SEN and Creative Study teacher in Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, on Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal. She originally grew up in the suburb of a middle size French town, but was always connected to nature. Leaving now in a rural environment, she feels strongly in tune with nature and the need to protect it. Being part of ISSN allows the island school to join other schools, creating greater opportunities to promote sustainability and bounds.
florencecalais@donegaletb.ie