Presentation Junior School celebrate World Penguin Day
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Staff at pupils at Presentation Convent Junior School, Mullingar, dressed up for World Penguin Day on Friday.Image 2 of 4
Presentation Convent Junior School Green School Committee members, Moussa, Ms Gavin, Kamile, Lesia, Sauleja, Sean, Eva, Artion, Sahra, Ms Miskell (principal) and Anna. Missing from photo; Zaran.Image 3 of 4
Lauren Gamble and Cillian Lee with illustrations were given to the school by artist Edwina McNamee.Image 4 of 4
Sarah, Kiera and Sahra performing the Penguin dance.World Penguin Day is marked on April 25 every year and the children and staff of Presentation Convent Junior School celebrated it in style for 2023.
It’s a day dedicated to fascinating birds that people everywhere love and are intrigued by, and it’s highlighted in different ways, such as wearing penguin headbands, watching movies like March of The Penguins, and even doing the penguin dance.
It is not just about fun and games though – it’s also an opportunity to highlight the impact of climate change on Antarctica and its inhabitants.
Due to rising temperatures, the ice in Antarctica is melting; that is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, and World Penguin Day helps raise awareness about it.
One way people can help is by supporting initiatives like the Green Schools, Marine Ecosystems and Challenge to Change project.
Challenge to Change is an initiative pioneered by the Presentation Sisters with an aim of educating young people about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and taking action to reduce our impact on the environment.
In Presentation Convent Junior School, the staff and children celebrated World Penguin Day by organising a penguin and polar bear cake sale. They baked buns, cakes, and cookies decorated as penguins and polar bears (see below), and the proceeds will go towards environmental causes and local charities.
The school principal offered “a big thank you to our school community for getting involved”.
They had penguin pictures designed by artist Edwina McNamee to colour for the day.
“A special thanks to Ms Gavin and the Green Schools Committee for their hard work and effort in organising the event. World Penguin Day is also closely linked to Earth Day, which falls on April 22.
"Both days remind us of the importance of taking care of our planet and the creatures that call it home. So let’s all celebrate World Penguin Day on the 25th by learning more about these amazing birds and taking action to protect them and their environment.”