Askeaton Senior National School made history recently as the first school to be awarded the European Citizens’ Prize on behalf of all Blue Star teachers in Ireland. The European Citizens’ Prize is awarded to community groups who have distinguished themselves in fostering a greater understanding of Europe. Other distinguished recipients include the G.A.A.
Askeaton Senior School was chosen as the first school to receive this award in recognition of its outstanding work, creativity and enthusiasm in giving a greater awareness of Europe to the community. The prize was awarded to the school by Seán Kelly MEP, Francis Jacob, Head of the European Parliament in Dublin and Joe Bishop, Education and Training Officer, European Movement Ireland. The Blue Star programme is an education initiative for pupils across Ireland. The aim of the programme is, among other objectives, to encourage students to have a greater understanding of the history of Europe and how it impacts on all our lives. Seán Kelly MEP was greeted with a warm welcome to Askeaton where he enjoyed song, music and dance provided by the pupils of the school. The pupils informed him of all their activity under the Blue Star programme and had numerous questions to ask. The pupils and teachers wish to say a special thank you to the Parents’ Council for their wonderful display of hospitality on the day in the form of home-made cakes, buns and tarts.
The following report is provided by the pupils of
5th/6th class:
On 4th February MEP Seán Kelly visited Askeaton Senior School to present the European Citizens’ Award to the school. It was a happy day for the school. Askeaton Senior School is the first school to win the award in Ireland. The school has been part of the Blue Star Programme for the last three years. There are 250 schools and 20,000 children participating in this programme. Seán Kelly MEP nominated this school for the award because of all their hard work. One the day the school formed a guard of honour to give Seán Kelly MEP a warm welcome. Next Mr. Kelly came to the hall and a number of children played Irish music and he danced along to it. After that a number of speakers informed him about the pen-pal letters we send and receive from Spain, languages we learn such as French, German and Spanish. We also told him about the drama we do based on events that happened in Europe. Our most recent drama was based on the fall of the Berlin Wall. To end the day the children took part in a question and answer session with Mr. Kelly. Finally the children played music and pupils danced a lively jig. At the end Seán Kelly MEP presented the European Citizens’ Prize to the school and he took some pictures with us. After that he had a slice of cake and some tea. It was a great day for the school.