Longford pupils showcase their knowledge of European matters

St Matthew’s NS Ballymahon recently completed the Blue Flag Project and on Monday of this week, the school was visited by newly appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke.
Deputy Burke previously served as Minister for State for European Affairs.

Also present on the day were local TD Joe Flaherty and members of Longford County Council.The Blue Flag Project, which is a European Project, was completed by two of the fourth classes in the school.

With the help of teachers Mr Ward, Ms Syron, support teacher Ms Clarke and SNA, Ms Cahill, the classes completed an in depth project on Ireland’s role in the EU.

The project also looked at the role that the EU plays for member states, including in the understanding of the different cultural backgrounds within the EU.

Principal of the school, Herbert Farrell, told the Leader that Minister Burke had made a commitment previously to visit the school before his recent promotion to the role of Minister for Trade and Enterprise.

“Minister Burke was very patient with the children and gave a lot of his time on the day. It was a very successful event for the school,” he stated.

“The Minister gave an account of his time as European Minister and he also fielded questions from the children,” Mr Farrell added.

The two classes who completed the project gave a 20 minute presentation. The children also participated in a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire style quiz, in which they showcased their knowledge of European matters.

The principal said that the children began the project around Christmas last.
“We had children with intellectual and language barriers who took part in the project,” he stated.

This project certainly had no merely academic feel to it either, given that no less than 15 different nationalities are represented in St Matthew’s student population.

This was the first time that the school had undertaken this project but when asked if St Matthew’s would do the Blue Flag project again, Herbert Farrell’s answer was an unequivocal “absolutely.”